Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 News
    
        Photos

    Week in Photos

    Air Force TV

    Commentaries

    Features

    Art

    About Us
    
        Air Force Senior Leaders
    
        SECAF

    CSAF

    CMSAF

    Biographies

    Fact Sheets

    SECAF Reading List

    CSAF Leadership Library
    
        CSAF Leadership Library 2022

    CSAF Leadership Library 2021

    CSAF Reading List Pre-2020 Archive
    
        2018 CSAF Reading List

    2017 CSAF Reading List

    2016 CSAF Reading List

    CSAF Leadership Library 2023

    CMSAF Leadership Library

    50 Years of the CMSAF

    Adjunct Professors

    Air Force Strategic Documents

    Arctic Strategy

    Empowered Airmen

    State Licensure Portability

    Careers

    AF Federal Advisory Committees

    AF 75th Anniversary

    Policy Updates

    AF Content Management

    Contact Us

    AF Sites
    
        Site RegistrationU.S. Air Force LogoAir Force

        Policy UpdatesNewsroomReoptimizationBIOGRAPHIESAF Senior Leaders      Senior Airman David Flaten, 811th Security Forces Squadron protective services member and professional cross-country mountain biker, works out after his bike ride June 18, 2014, on Joint Base Andrews, Md. Flaten said he performs core exercises to strengthen and build fatigue resistance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nesha Humes)140618-F-HB697-055
                        
                        
                        Senior Airman David Flaten, 811th Security Forces Squadron protective services member and professional cross-country mountain biker, works out after his bike ride June 18, 2014, on Joint Base Andrews, Md. Flaten said he performs core exercises to strengthen and build fatigue resistance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nesha Humes)
                
                Photo Details /
                        Download Hi-Res
        


        Senior Airman David Flaten, a 811th Security Forces Squadron protective services member and professional cross-country mountain biker, trains June 18, 2014, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Flaten is ranked 43rd of 250 according to USA Cycling, the official cycling organization responsible for identifying, training and selecting cyclists to represent the United States in international competition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nesha Humes)140618-F-HB697-948
                        
                        
                        Senior Airman David Flaten, a 811th Security Forces Squadron protective services member and professional cross-country mountain biker, trains June 18, 2014, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Flaten is ranked 43rd of 250 according to USA Cycling, the official cycling organization responsible for identifying, training and selecting cyclists to represent the United States in international competition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nesha Humes)
                
                Photo Details /
                        Download Hi-Res
        


        Senior Airman David Flaten, a 811th Security Forces Squadron protective services member and professional cross-country mountain biker, trains June 3, 2014, at Rosaryville State Park, Md. Flaten is ranked 43rd of 250 according to USA Cycling, the official cycling organization responsible for identifying, training and selecting cyclists to represent the United States in international competition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nesha Humes)140603-F-HB697-912
                        
                        
                        Senior Airman David Flaten, a 811th Security Forces Squadron protective services member and professional cross-country mountain biker, trains June 3, 2014, at Rosaryville State Park, Md. Flaten is ranked 43rd of 250 according to USA Cycling, the official cycling organization responsible for identifying, training and selecting cyclists to represent the United States in international competition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nesha Humes)
                
                Photo Details /
                        Download Hi-Res
        


        Senior Airman David Flaten, a 811th Security Forces Squadron protective services member and professional cross-country mountain biker, trains June 18, 2014, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Flaten is ranked 43rd of 250 according to USA Cycling, the official cycling organization responsible for identifying, training and selecting cyclists to represent the United States in international competition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nesha Humes)140618-F-HB697-995
                        
                        
                        Senior Airman David Flaten, a 811th Security Forces Squadron protective services member and professional cross-country mountain biker, trains June 18, 2014, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Flaten is ranked 43rd of 250 according to USA Cycling, the official cycling organization responsible for identifying, training and selecting cyclists to represent the United States in international competition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nesha Humes)
                
                Photo Details /
                        Download Hi-Res

Airman excels on two wheels, continues to pedal forwardPublished June 22, 2014
                    
                    By Senior Airman Nesha Humes
                    
                    
                    11th Wing Public Affairs
            **JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AFNS) --***(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)*
It was summer 2007 in Wausau, Wisconsin.
David Flaten had completed his first mountain bike race through the nine-mile forest course with no prior racing experience and a simple knowledge of cycling. After regaining the feeling in his legs, Flaten said he knew he had fallen in love.
In January 2013, just three years after enlisting and eight years experience cycling, the now Senior Airman started racing professionally.
"I apply a lot of my military bearing in my training and racing; it's important to treat every competitor with respect," Flaten said. "I take pride in taking care of my bike and equipment, just as I take pride in wearing the uniform."
He is currently ranked 43rd of 250 for cross-country mountain bikers according to USA cycling, the official cycling organization responsible for identifying, training and selecting cyclists to represent the United States in international competition.
Flaten participated in the 2013 Conseil International du Sport Militaire cycling competition in Belgium as one of two active-duty cycling professionals for the Armed Forces Cycling Team. In order to be selected for this elite group, a cyclist must be rated as a professional mountain biker or as a category 1 road cyclist.
Flaten is most proud of his continuous self-motivation and said he is "always pedaling in a forward direction."
The 21-year-old's training includes core exercises, stretching, and high intensity cycling on roadways and through mountain terrain. Flaten works out no less than 20 hours a week, though he said clean eating, staying hydrated and resting are a 24/7 discipline.
"The drive you have to force yourself to (train) is more important than being able to physically turn over the pedals," he said. "I get a lot of satisfaction from the hard work I put in every day. I'm hoping that the top step on the podium someday will make it all worth it."
Flaten attributes his successes to his family, friends, military leadership and his coach, 2003 Pan American gold medalist and highly decorated mountain biking professional Jeremiah Bishop.
When Flaten isn't challenging himself biking through back country roads during a rough rainstorm or making a strenuous trek over sun baked mountains, he is working hands on with the 811th Security Forces Squadron. They are the Air Force's largest protective services unit, providing primary escorts and inner-perimeter security for distinguished visitors on Joint Base Andrews.
"I've often observed Senior Airman Flaten excelling in his duties by providing direct security support to the president of the United States one day and then competing in a world-class cycling event the next," said Maj. Aaron Rittgers, the 811th SFS commander. "He epitomizes the whole person concept by giving his all in every area of his life. His exceptional dedication and sacrifice have allowed him to excel both his professional and personal endeavors."
This dedication to his job also led Flaten to be awarded 2013 Airman of the Year for the 11th Security Forces Group.
"The Air Force has certainly helped me maintain structure on a day- to-day basis," Flaten said. "When it comes to work, diet and training, maintaining balance is key to my success."
The military has played a significant role in Flaten's cycling career, providing more than just a paycheck to cover his racing expenses.
"My leadership has given me encouragement to pursue my dream," Flaten said. "They're almost as invested as I am to get me to the Olympics one day. It's an awesome feeling to have that kind of support and that is worth way more than any paycheck in my book."
Flaten is awaiting acceptance into the exclusive Air Force World Class Athlete Program which allows active- duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel an opportunity to be released from their primary mission for two years to participate at national and international level sporting events. The program makes it possible for selected athletes to train and compete full time with the ultimate goal of selection to the U.S. Olympic team.
"Every athlete has a shelf life," he said. "I don't want to look back in 30 years and ask myself, 'Why didn't I give everything I had to be an Olympic athlete?' It would be awesome to be part of a more than a thousand year old tradition."bicycling 



athlete 



athleticism 



 



through airmen's eyes Featured News
        Senior Leader Priorities
                SecAF Kendall visits Bangor ANG Base
                    
                    Vice President Harris congratulates USAFA Class of ‘24
                    
                    Senate confirms Melissa Dalton as next Under Secretary of the Air Force
                    
                    ‘One Team, One Fight’: SecAF visits Keesler AFB
                    
                    SecAF Kendall experiences VISTA of future flight test at Edwards AFBInnovation
                AFSFC reaches final phase of fielding Model Defender gear
                    
                    Around the Air Force: PCS Allowances, Air Task Forces, All-Volunteer Force
                    
                    AFIMSC focuses I-WEPTAC topics on GPC solutions
                    
                    Optimizing AI, Air University hosts Artificial Intelligence Symposium
                    
                    AFIMSC tools deliver data-driven solutions across DAFMAJCOM News
                AFMC to expand AcqDemo workforce
                    
                    AFMC empowers small businesses for Air Force reoptimization
                    
                    Acquisition Instructor Course Class 25A open for nominations
                    
                    Air Guard leaders host 2024 Wing Leader Conference
                    
                    Referral bonuses aim to help fill mission-critical vacancies
 Quick Links
AccessibilityContact UsEqual OpportunityFOIA | Privacy | Section 508Information QualityInspector GeneralJAG Court-Martial DocketLink DisclaimerNo FEAR ActOpen GovernmentOSI Tip LinePlain LanguageQuestionsResilienceRSSSite MapVeterans Crisis LineCareers
Join the Air ForceAir Force BenefitsAir Force CareersAir Force ReserveAir National GuardCivilian ServiceConnect
            Get Social with Us
            
            Official United States Air Force Website
    Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil