Twentynine Palms -- The Combat Center Behavioral Health Branch hosted the third annual Substance Abuse Awareness Ride for Freedom, Freedom to Ride motorcycle event began aboard, May 19, 2017.
The ride began aboard the Combat Center and was approximately 70 miles one way. Participants left the base and took California Highway 62 to U.S. Interstate 10, which they followed until they reached their objective at Riley’s Apple Farm.
“We hold this ride to raise awareness amongst Marines and sailors about driving or riding under the influence,” said Carleen Dickson, alcohol abuse prevention specialist, Behavioral Health Branch. “Our goal is to help make the roads safer for our service members and promote safe driving.”
Approximately 50 riders participated in the event ranging from junior enlisted to commissioned officer.
“Most people don’t get to go on a ride with this many people in it,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephen Fuqua, culinary specialist, Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital. “Coming out here lets people who have motorcycles find more riders. At the beginning we were told about some of the terrible things that have happened because people don’t pay attention and that was really eye opening.”
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