First shirts take on unsafe motorcycles saying... ‘we care’ Published Dec. 17, 2008 By Danielle Gregory 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Tinker first sergeants have assigned themselves a new mission, saving lives. The group has come up with "Operation We Care." The program is designed for first sergeants to identify motorcycle riders who may be at a higher risk of an accident. "If a first sergeant notices that a motorcycle has bad tires or that the paint of the motorcycle is scrapped off from previously laying down the bike, the first sergeant will leave an Operation We Care card on the motorcycle with the potential safety issue identified on the back," said Master Sgt. Ronda White. "The motorcycle rider is instructed by the card to go see their first sergeant." Once the member's first sergeant has a face-to-face talk with them they can know that they care about them and the condition of their transportation. If the motorcycle needs to be fixed they may recommend it shouldn't be ridden until it is in proper working order. "Bottom line our people are our business. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and we need our people to complete the mission," said Sergeant White. Across the Air Force there has been a growing rate of motorcycle deaths and accidents. They are actively working to figure out what they can do to address the problem and solve it. "We can't complete the mission without our people. People are our most important resource. The Air Force spends a lot of money training our people. The first sergeants are investing time and resources in an effort to make a difference and save a life," said Sergeant White. If a member receives a card on their motorcycle they are responsible to bring the card to their first sergeant within 24 hours or the next duty. All the first sergeants track what motorcycle they leave cards on and communicate with other first sergeants so they can expect a visit from the rider. The first sergeant's believe this program benefits the member's family, unit and Air Force. It could potentially eliminate a death of a military or civilian member, which is devastating to the immediate and Air Force family. "The first sergeants want their military members to know 'we care' if you live or die and if a trip to the shirt's office prompts you to put up your motorcycle until you get your new tires then we have reached our goal and possibly saved your life," said Sergeant White. For more information contact any first sergeant, they will be able to answer any questions members have about Operation We Care.