RODEO: MXG hog ties RODEO Preflight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Two KC-135 Stratotankers, 24 competitors, six civic leaders from the Wichita, Kan., area and McConnell support personnel climbed, financed, flew, maintained and competed their way through RODEO 2011, bringing home the trophy for "Best KC-135 Preflight Team."

McConnell's competitors included Airmen representing the 22nd Maintenance Group, Operations Group, Security Forces Squadron and Comptroller Squadron. RODEO is an Air Mobility Command competition. The 2011 RODEO was at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., testing mobility skills and building esprit de corps.

"RODEO 2011 was a complete success," said Lt. Col. Travis Edwards, 22nd Operations Support Squadron commander and RODEO trail boss. "The entire RODEO Team showed the heart of a champion!"

Civic leaders from Wichita joined the 24-man team to lend their support. The civic leaders made the base tent a "home away from home," according to Edwards, cooked meals and cheered competitors on with "Fueling Freedom!"

"Everything I did for the Airmen out there I did it because they are my heroes," said Jared Estes, 22nd Air Refueling Wing RODEO civic leader. "The self sacrifice and how had they work out there is awesome, so the chance to watch them compete was pretty surreal, and I felt lucky to do it."

While RODEO's main events included airlift, aeromedical evacuation and air refueling, other events like financial competitions, security forces confidence course and a Fit-to-Fight test showcased other skills. The 2011 event was the first RODEO to host a financial competition.

"It was a great experience for me and my team because it gave us an insight as to what to expect for future competitions and deployments," said Tech. Sgt. Rodney McInnis, 22nd Comptroller Squadron RODEO dispersing agent. "I enjoyed the comradery with the rest of the team and bases."

Twelve Airmen from the 22nd MXG won a trophy by demonstrating their skills in aircraft inspection and ensuring a safe and operational aircraft.

"The Best KC-135 Preflight Team trophy is a representation of the hard work and dedication of each member of the team," said Capt. Carrie Kerner, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron RODEO maintenance officer in charge.

Prior to any KC-135 taking off, maintenance personnel ensure it is properly fueled and operationally safe.

"The preflight inspection was an event that involved everyone and was a true team effort," said Kerner. "I couldn't be more proud of them, not because they won a trophy, but because they selflessly gave 100 percent to the team."

After months of preparation and one week of competition, McConnell's 2011 RODEO team left with a week full of memories, new friends and are looking forward to RODEO 2013.

"It was a privilege working with my RODEO team and an experience that will stick with me for the rest of my career," said Tech. Sgt. Richard Jay, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

For a photo slide show click here.

The following links are to albums on McConnell's Facebook page with more pictures.
Opening Ceremonies
Fit-to-Fight
Security Force Weapons
Operations Group Take off
Security Forces Tactics
Maintenance Skills
Finance
Maintenance Fuels Competition
Confidence Course
Operations Group Cargo Loading