Abandoned bicycles find new owners for Veterans Day

Photo By Richard Kim | Spc. Gilbert Apilado, 4th Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, wheels out the first bicycle of the day during a bike giveaway, Nov. 11 at building Bldg. 5550, a warehouse across from Humphreys Middle School. The Humphreys Abandoned Bicycle Club distributed more than 80 refurbished bicycles during their giveaway event. (U.S. Army photo by Richard Kim)  

PYEONGTAEK, 41, SOUTH KOREA

11.11.2023

Story by Richard Kim 

USAG Humphreys

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – The Humphreys Abandoned Bicycle Club distributed more than 80 refurbished bicycles Nov. 11, in conjunction with Veterans Day. The event was attended by more than 150 community members, which included Soldiers, KATUSA, Civilians and Family members.

The Veterans-Day event focused on ensuring that junior-enlisted Soldiers had priority access to the bicycles. Recognizing their dedicated service, Col. Scott McLellan, Eighth U.S. Army Chief of Staff, commended the efforts of the club in his opening remarks. Dan Melton, an Army retiree and Vietnam veteran, leads the Humphreys Abandoned Bicycle Club and partnered with the Directorate of Emergency Services (DES) to legally obtain abandoned bicycles around the garrison. The directorate determined if bicycles were abandoned by the previous owner through their registration, and then transported the bikes to the club’s warehouse to be refurbished.

“All bicycles operated on-base need to be registered with DES per (U.S. Forces Korea) regulation. Not only does it help determine if the bicycle has been abandoned, it also helps locate the rightful owner should it be stolen,” said Maj. Paul Coleman, provost marshal for USAG Humphreys. In addition to giving away bicycles, DES personnel were on-site to register all new owners with their bicycles.

The club has only been in operation for nine weeks but has quickly become a symbol of community support and service, said Melton. As a result the club has grown from three to 10 dedicated volunteers. The club is operated with donations from the community and through support from Melton himself.

“We have more bicycles to give to the community, but they need parts to get them road-worthy," said Melton. "The program needs tires, inner tubes, racks and parts. Any donations we can get will help get these bikes into the hands of Soldiers that need them."

In addition to the bicycles, the event featured a grill-out where burgers and hot dogs were cooked and distributed to attendees.

The club plans to continue its mission of giving back to the community and meets on the first and third Saturday of the month at Bldg. 5550, across from Humphreys Middle School. For more information on the club or how to donate, please email [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 11.11.2023
• Date Posted: 11.14.2023 20:23
• Story ID: 457749
• Location: PYEONGTAEK, 41, KR