Vance flyers give local child three-wheeled mobility Published Jan. 9, 2013 VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Members of the 5th Flying Training Squadron at Vance Air Force Base raised enough money in 2012 to present a special tricycle to a child at Hoover Elementary School in Enid, Dec. 20. The tricycle, called an AmTryke, is designed to give a child with physical challenges the chance to ride his own tricycle just like other children. The 5th FTS members joined with the Enid AM Too AMBUCS, a local chapter of the National Association of American Business Clubs, to purchase the tricycle. "We conduct an annual charity drive at the 5th FTS and we were honored to have the opportunity to donate funds to defray the cost of an Amtryke for a local child," said Lt. Col. David Chael, the T-6 flight commander at the 5th FTS. The AmTryke has rotating handle bars connected to the chain drive so the rider's arms can assist his legs in propelling the tricycle. Velcro straps secure the rider's feet to the pedals while torso and hip safety belts maintain the rider in the seat. A wide wheel base and narrow turning radius provide stability. The family of the child that received the AmTryke attended the presentation, said Chael, and appreciated the mobility the tricycle gave their son, especially during the Christmas holiday. Members from the 5th FTS attending the presentation at Hoover Elementary School were Lt. Col. Kevin Bullard, 5th FTS commander, Maj. Matt Cummins and Lt. Col. David Chael.