Reposted from Erin Tindell on the
Air Force Personnel Center Web site...
SAN ANTONIO -- It's 15 pounds, glows in the dark and can 'strike' down the competition with a slight move of the thumb.
As part of continuing efforts to support Air Force wounded warriors, Air Force Services Agency officials recently purchased and distributed 85 remote controlled bowling balls and ramps for installations worldwide.
The purchase makes the Air Force both the single largest purchaser of the bowling balls and the first service within DOD to purchase and distribute them.
According to Don Freund, bowling program manager at the agency, the RC900 balls were initially purchased from 900 Global with wounded warriors in mind, but eligibility was expanded to others looking for a new way to enjoy the game.
"This is another way we're ensuring the Air Force is a great place to live, work and play," said Freund. "We own more remote controlled bowling balls than any bowling center in the U.S., and we're the first of the Armed Forces to offer this option."
Wounded warriors and those with special needs (including civilians and dependents) have priority to use the balls at bowling centers at no charge. All others can use the ball for a fee.
The remote controlled bowling ball looks like a traditional ball, but is equipped with a computer chip and motor inside that allows the ball to self propel. A battery-operated remote allows the user to sync control of the ball's speed and direction of movement. The ball also lights up as it travels down the lane.
The technology, courtesy of the same inventors of the jet pack, allows wounded warriors and those with special needs to bowl on any lane instead of being limited to outside lanes that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Demonstrations of the remote controlled bowling ball can be seen at installation bowling centers. For more information about Air Force quality of life programs, visit
usafservices.com.