Rodeo first rate: Competition successful, friendly as teams find stride

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kirsten Wicker
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 hit full stride this week as the event proved challenging and rewarding for all those involved. McChord, international and U.S. teams worked extremely well, roping success and forming friendships throughout the intense competition, according to Rodeo officials.
 
"There is a lot of camaraderie between military members from all over the world because we have all had similar training," said Lt. Col. Bryan Huntsman, Rodeo director. "We are all here for friendly competition, but it's also an intense competition,
so there is a natural sense of understanding [between teams]." 

The judging for this year's Rodeo actually began July 16, when international teams were judged on their landings here. The events continued Saturday with the arrival of U.S. teams, who were judged on their landings, then whisked away to compete in the Fit-to-Fight event. 

"Rodeo is going smoothly and fantastically," said Colonel Huntsman. "The McChord staff are doing an excellent job." 

The flying events began Monday, and while Rodeo teams were out each day, McChord Airmen demonstrated that their strength lies in teamwork and a little hustle. 

"The support staff have been hard at work and have done a tremendous job so far," said aeromedical evacuation Rodeo planner, Master Sgt. J.P. Wirth. "The behind-the-scenes tasks have made everything seamless." 

Tech. Sgt. Jason Hall, a competitor from the 55th Air Refueling Wing at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., agreed. 

"Everything is going so well because we are at McChord. It is a first-rate competition with a firstrate staff. The competition is friendly and fun, and things are so smooth thanks to the hard work McChord's Airmen have put into Rodeo." 

Now at Rodeo's end with the closing celebrations taking place today, the event's success will be judged not by wins or losses, but by partnerships, shared practices and the improved mobility strength that will aid future generations by providing the critical means for humanitarian and warfighting missions, Colonel Huntsman said.