Freestyle Motocross event flies through Combat Center

Photo By Cpl. Monica Erickson | Pro Freestyle Motocross rider Julian D'Usseau braces for impact as he comes in for a landing after performing an aerial trick for spectators during an FMX event at Victory Field, June 21.  

06.25.2009

Story by Cpl. Monica Erickson 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

"What's going on here?" asked a passing Marine, trying to find out what was causing the large audience at Victory Field, June 21.

"Oh my God, that's awesome!" he exclaimed after watching a freestyle motocross rider launch 45 feet in the air and upside down while hanging onto his bike with one hand.

The free Pro Freestyle Motocross Event, sponsored by Monster Energy and hosted by Marine Corps Community Services held three different shows which drew more than 300 spectators throughout the day. After each show, Combat Center personnel and their families where invited to meet with the riders and receive an autographed FMX poster.

The FMX event was designed to show support for the military while giving service members and their families a chance to enjoy a day outside with free food provided by MCCS.

"Events like these make us feel appreciated and wanted," said Lance Cpl. Patrick
Manchego, a student with Company B, Marine Corps Communications-Electronics
School and a Burleson, Texas native. "It is good for morale to be able to get away from work and school, and enjoy your weekend."

Lance Cpl. Jeff Rollo, a fellow student and friend of Manchego, agreed saying these events are perfect for the Marines and sailors who don't have cars and can't get off base easily.

"It's great these guys come out here and show us that they care for all the Marines," said the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native. "This is a great way to break up the monotony and daily routine of our week."

The riders, Julian D'Usseau, Beau Bamburg and John Distler, dazzled the audience with a wide range of tricks, whips and stunts that included back flips, superman seat grabs, cliff hangers, nac-nacs and cordovas.

Each rider started out slow, testing the wind and ensuring it was safe enough to launch 45 feet into the air. The riders revved things up and soon had the audience cheering and chanting for more tricks.

"The crowd was a good size," said Bamburg, a Gresham, Ore., native. "It was windy at first and it made us nervous. Wind is our worst enemy, it is like our Taliban."

This was their first time performing for the military, but each rider was excited for the opportunity to give the Marines a free show and give them a chance to have fun in between their busy schedules.
"It was a big privilege to be able to come out here and ride for the Marines," said Distler, a Phoenix, native. "The Marines here are way more amped out than other people we've ridden for."

Every year, MCCS hosts various freestyle motocross events for the troops. For
more information on upcoming events, visit the MCCS Web site at http://www.mccs29palms.com.

• Date Taken: 06.25.2009
• Date Posted: 06.25.2009 18:43
• Story ID: 35630