BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE – Though he’d never ridden a motorcycle before, retired Air Force Maj. Shawn “Goose” Gander took a chance and entered a sweepstakes this summer to win a Harley from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Dr Pepper. 

The gamble paid off. Gander, who served for 20 years in the Air Force and retired in 2014 at Barksdale Air Force Base, took home the grand prize in the worldwide Refresh-Ride-Win contest—a Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight worth $11,900. 

“I’ve never won anything like this before,” said Gander, a Bossier City, La., resident who now works at Barksdale in a civilian role. “I’m extremely excited.”

Exchange Deputy Director Mike Immler handed Gander the keys to his new ride during a presentation Sept. 25 at the Barksdale Exchange. 2nd Bomb Wing Vice Commander Col. Brandon Parker, Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker and Dr Pepper/Snapple National Account Executive Jeff Seesing were on hand for the presentation as well. 

“It’s such an honor to present this Harley to this fine Airman,” Immler said. “We appreciate you, and we thank you for your service.” 

After he learned he had won, Gander said, he took classes to gain his motorcycle operator’s license. Many of his friends ride, and Gander is looking forward to joining them on short trips throughout Louisiana and Arkansas as he gets more comfortable on his bike.

But his first adventure on the Harley didn’t take much planning.  

“It’s about a 20-minute ride home,” he said, laughing.  

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htmor follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

 

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Media Notes:

 

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].

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