From North Carolina, Jack joined the Air Force in 1962 and served for 22 years retiring as a CMSgt in 1984. Jack loved the Air Force and only retired out of necessity for family reasons.

Jack got the M2M off to the greatest of starts…which was super important to the success of the Inaugural M2M. Jack organized Day 1. Among the many contributions, Jack worked with the National Park Service to allow the M2M private use of the Wright Brothers’ Memorial prior to the Park’s normal opening time. He recruited the local bike shop to be available to help riders assemble/fix bikes both on Day 0 and early in the morning on Day 1. Working with local police departments, he designed the route for Day 1 and organized almost non-stop police escorts. He cajoled a professional photographer to donate her services and drone support. Jack also personally drove Day 1’s straggler vehicle ensuring everyone had a successful day. He worked with the local city councils and police departments all along the route both before and after the ride to set the foundation for the ride’s growth into America’s favorite ride.

 

Jack didn’t begin cycling until age 65 and then his athleticism, discipline, and natural talent took over. Within the first year, he won the NC State Senior Games. The following year, he won the Virginia State Senior Games 5k and 10k races; and followed that by winning Calvin’s Challenge 12-hour race in Ohio, his first ultra-marathon, by riding 197 miles. The following year he broke Calvin Challenge’s record for his age bracket (65-69) by riding 209 miles.  Then twice, in the 70-74 age bracket, he won the Mid-Atlantic 100-mile race (his best time was 5h 25m). During this period, he started the Outer Banks Silver Riders bike group for people in their 50s to 90s. He coached several riders to county and state podium positions and one to a national title.

From Oakland CA, Steve joined the Air Force in 1976 and served for 28 years retiring as a CMSgt in 2003.

 Steve was instrumental in making the Inaugural M2M a super success. Among his many contributions, he led all fundraisers in raising money for the Wounded Airmen Program, worked with AFA to create the peer-to-peer fundraising mechanism for the M2M’s WAP efforts, and he successfully engaged sponsors for the M2M itself. He recruited the Sergeants Association to supply the Day 1 break and the Williamsburg VFW to provide the Day 2 lunch at Jamestown. He donated the use of his personal vehicle and recruited the volunteer driver to provide a support vehicle. He also provided straggler duty as a rider during one of the days ensuring no one was left behind. He earned the M2M’s initial Wilbur Wright Award for the best support person of the Inaugural M2M. 

 

Steve is a master cyclist. He rode RAGBRAI on the Air Force Cycling Team in 2001. Since retiring, Steve has ridden 25,000 miles for charity including two cross country rides. He has raised approximately $40,000 for veterans and first responders. Despite having lost function in one leg, he hopes to continue riding to help others and give back. Steve remains an active participant and supporter in the M2M.