What are AMSGers doing outside of work? Through our Hobby Program, team members are encouraged to explore what fuels them, challenges them, and brings them joy outside the day-to-day. Team Member Corner is where we get to share those stories—glimpses into life outside of work, from creative outlets to lifelong passions—that help strengthen and connect our community. This month, James Vozza shares how motorcycling as not just a hobby, but a lifelong passion tied to family, adventure, and the open road, has shaped his life.
Motorcycling can be more than a hobby. It is an activity that can really get into one’s blood and soul. Many times, it turns into the rider’s lifestyle, affecting all aspects of life—clothes, friends, even vacation choices. For some, it’s been passed down from their parents’ generation, as it has for me. My father rode as his way of life, and it’s instilled in me a love of riding, of adventure, and of being on the road.
I spent many years away from home; while living in Europe, I walked into the Harley dealer in Norfolk England on my 30th birthday and bought my first Harley, a bike that I kept and cherished for many years. It took me to many places in Europe that I would have never seen had I been traveling by car or train. One place in particular was Dunfermline, Scotland, which had a Harley shop!
A person’s bike choice really defines their motorcycling persona. The bike I chose was a Harley Davidson Softail Deuce, to which I made many changes: paint, engine parts, wheels, exhaust, and a plethora of small and not-so-small chromed parts. When I finally sold it, one regret was that I had never taken it on a ride with my father. We had ridden together— he always had a spare bike for me—but he had never seen my bike… the bike I built.
A few years ago, perusing the want ads, I found the exact same model—same year, same options. Naturally, it lacked the custom touches that had made my previous bike truly mine, but it was a good start. With AMSG’s Hobby Program, I’ve been able to get this bike looking almost the same. Of course, with the ability to do things over, I made a few small tweaks that I’d wanted but couldn’t afford or that didn’t exist 20 years ago. In time, I was able to get the bike over to Dad’s, and I’ve had a great time doing some of the mods with his help. Of course, as sometimes happens, Dad had a different opinion than I. He said my bike was “nice” but not as good as his Road King. Soooo… I bought it from him. Now he loves my bike!
Written by: James P Vozza, Systems/SharePoint Developer, Knowledge Management Office, USAICoE, TRADOC