Fighter Pilot Wins Harley-Davidson Motorcycle at Moody Exchange
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE – For Air Force Capt. Kurt Cloutier, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Refresh, Win and Ride sweepstakes came along at just the right time.
Having sold his motorcycle a couple of years ago, Cloutier was starting to get the itch for a new bike. With a brand-new chopper somewhat outside of the family budget, his wife began entering several motorcycle-centric sweepstakes.
With Cloutier skeptical they would win anything, it’s easy to imagine his surprise when the Exchange contacted him to say he’d won a Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight. He was selected at random from more than 11,400 entrants.
Cloutier rode the motorcycle out of the Moody Exchange on Aug. 5 following a ceremony attended by Col. Thomas Kunkel, 23d Wing commander.
“It was almost too much to process,” he said. “It was really cool, but it was completely unexpected. I was really excited about the fact that I was going to be able to get a bike, and the Sportster Forty-Eight is gorgeous. That’s the one I would have chosen to get anyway.”
Cloutier commissioned into the Air Force in 2009, attending the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado. A fighter pilot specializing in the Thunderbolt A-10C, Cloutier most recently flew in Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
“I definitely want to maintain my flying career and keep flying the A-10 as long as I can,” he said. “I want to be an instructor in that field and continue to teach people in the A-10. I’d really like to become a leader in the tactical community.”
The Exchange couldn’t be more proud to present the prize to a warrior and patriot such as Cloutier, said Stephanie Wilson, general manager of the Moody Exchange.
“In his role, Mr. Cloutier works hard and takes great personal risk to ensure the security of not only the American homeland but our allies all over the world,” Wilson said. “The Exchange hopes this grand prize serves as a small ‘thank you’ for the sacrifices Mr. Cloutier and his family make every day in the name of protecting American safety and liberty.”
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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.htm or 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 Conner Hammett, 214-312-2714 or [email protected].