{"id":2130,"date":"2015-09-28T12:44:51","date_gmt":"2015-09-28T17:44:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=2130"},"modified":"2015-09-28T12:44:51","modified_gmt":"2015-09-28T17:44:51","slug":"barksdale-afb-retiree-revs-up-with-brand-new-harley-after-winning-exchange-dr-pepper-contest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=2130","title":{"rendered":"Barksdale AFB Retiree Revs Up with Brand-New Harley after Winning Exchange, Dr Pepper Contest"},"content":{"rendered":"

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE \u2013 <\/span><\/b>Though he\u2019d never ridden a motorcycle before, <\/span>retired Air Force Maj. Shawn \u201cGoose\u201d Gander<\/a> took a chance and entered a sweepstakes this summer to win a Harley from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Dr Pepper.\u00a0\"150925-D-ZZ999-003\"<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The gamble paid off. <\/span>Gander<\/span><\/a>, 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\u2014a Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight worth $11,900.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never won anything like this before,\u201d said Gander, a Bossier City, La., resident who now works at Barksdale in a civilian role. \u201cI\u2019m extremely excited.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Exchange Deputy Director Mike Immler handed Gander the keys to his new ride during a <\/span>presentation<\/span><\/a> Sept. 25 at the Barksdale Exchange.<\/span> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s such an honor to present this Harley to this fine Airman,\u201d Immler said. \u201cWe appreciate you, and we thank you for your service.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

After he learned he had won, Gander said, he took classes to gain his motorcycle operator\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

But his first adventure on the Harley didn\u2019t take much planning.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about a 20-minute ride home,\u201d he said, laughing.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

— 30 —<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at <\/span>http:\/\/www.aafes.com\/about-exchange\/public-affairs\/press-releases.htm<\/span><\/a>or follow us on Twitter at <\/span>https:\/\/twitter.com\/ExchangePAO<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Media Notes:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or mitchelljul@aafes.com.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\t

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