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Exchanges throughout the Pacific revving up the rewards for safe bikers

  • Published
  • By Sgt. 1st Class Jon Cupp
  • Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs
CAMP FOSTER, Japan --  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 80 percent of reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death, compared to just 20 percent for automobiles.

Because of this increased danger, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (the Exchange) is supporting the military's mission to reduce motorcycle-related injuries and deaths among service members by offering a one-time, 20 percent discount off of one Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) item to cyclists who successfully complete their locally required motorcycle safety riding course.

In the Pacific Region, the PPE item discount is currently being offered at Exchanges on Yongsan Garrison, Korea, Guam, Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and Yokota Air Base, Japan.

"Through this initiative, Pacific Exchanges are playing a large role in ensuring the safety and well-being of service men and women," said Col. Mark K. White, commander, Exchange Pacific Region. "Since the PPE program has rolled out, military cyclists have been better equipped to meet the local riding requirements."

The Exchange PPE program was first tested at Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Campbell, Ky. and Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. in the spring of 2009. The test was so successful that the program was expanded throughout the United States, Pacific and Europe in 2010.

The Exchange now sells motorcycle PPE, to include helmets, gloves, protective eyewear and body armor, in 136 facilities worldwide as well as online at www.shopmyexchange.com. Products sold through this program meet the highest safety standards to include all military specs and European and Pacific testing standards.