Air Force family bikes together on two continents Published May 29, 2010 By Maj. Chad Steffey U.S. AFCENT Public Affairs SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Though more than 7,000 miles apart, one U.S. Air Force family spent May 23 riding together in a nationwide biking event raising awareness and providing support toward a cure for juvenile diabetes. Lt. Col. Harlan Fangmeyer, Combined Air Operations Center Combat Plans Division deputy chief, rode 20 miles on a stationary bike at the Blatchford-Preston Fitness Center here while his wife, two sons and daughter rode in the Tour de Cure in Omaha, Neb. Fangmeyer's youngest son, Carter, was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes in 2009. Carter, age 10, rode the 10-mile course with his mother, Diane Fangmeyer. His older siblings, Hunter and Megan, rode the 20-mile course, which Fangmeyer simulated here. The Tour de Cure, organized by the American Diabetes Association, attracts more than 40,000 bicyclists to 80 different events around the U.S. This was the first time any of the Fangmeyer family participated in the event. Carter said he was very excited that his dad was riding along. "I'm just glad to make the connection in spirit," said Lt. Col. Fangmeyer as he pedaled. Fangmeyer is deployed here from the 55th Operations Support Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. This is his second deployment here, having served from 2006 to 2007.