International teams arrive for Air Mobility Command Rodeo

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Beginning July 13, a flood of international teams arrive here for Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2009, which kicks off July 19.

Teams from Belgium, Germany, Malaysia, Israel, Republic of Korea, Turkey and Spain touch down starting at 10 a.m. and then every 30 minutes after until they have all landed, said Aubrey Robertson, Rodeo international teams director.

The German team arrives in a Transall C-160 and Malaysia in a Casa 295, while all other teams are flying C-130 Hercules aircraft.

As soon as the teams land, they will be greeted by Maj. Gen. Brooks Bash, Rodeo commander; Col. Kevin Kilb, 62nd Airlift Wing commander; as well as their host squadron.

After observing the last two Rodeos, Malaysia is competing for the first time this year.

"After coming here to observe the last couple years, they have a good feel for it," Mr. Robertson said. "They basically said that they're going to come in and give it their best shot."

Israel and Spain return to Rodeo as competitors for the first time in nearly 15 years.

"Except for the competitors on those teams who've recently retired, they aren't familiar with Rodeo at all," Mr. Robertson said. "It will be a new experience for both teams."

Each sponsor squadron's job is to show its international team around the base and assist the team in any way it can, said Rodeo international teams representative Ladonna Couthran, 62nd Logistics Readiness Squadron.

The 62nd LRS hosts the team from Spain and already has a meet-and-greet mixer at Habanero Mexican Grill scheduled to help everyone get acquainted, said 1st Lt. Paul Dryja, 62nd LRS.

"It's a way for us to introduce everyone and make our international guests feel more welcome," Lieutenant Dryja said.

After hosting a team from South Korea last year, Lieutenant Dryja said there were times Airmen's unfamiliarity with other countries' military rank presented an initial communication barrier when it came to military customs.

"Rank insignia of the international teams can be confusing at times," he said. "That's something that can be intimidating to some young Airmen."

The mixer will help break down some of those barriers.

"We want folks in L-R-S to be comfortable around our own international team," Lieutenant Dryja said, especially those working in the fuels sections or parts store where communication is key to getting things done.

Once all the teams get settled with their squadron sponsors, they will prepare for a week of flying around the local area to get familiar with the lay of the land, practicing airdrops and preparing their aircraft for competition, Mr. Robertson said.