LRS Rodeo builds comradery, provides valuable training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eli Chevalier
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Airmen from the 48th Fighter Wing and 100th Air Refueling Wing Logistics Readiness Squadrons participated in the first ground transportation rodeo in 20 years here, April 27.

Vehicle operators from the neighboring squadrons competed in a variety of events, ranging from a tractor trailer course to a tire change relay.

“The whole point of the rodeo is training,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Landis, 48th LRS vehicle operations NCO in charge of training, validation and operations. “A lot of the maneuvers we are doing today are things [the operators] wouldn’t normally encounter. The competition element helps [the Airmen] take the training more serious. If there is a little bit of competition people will want to do well.”

The event provided a chance for junior operators to perform and observe complex maneuvers. In addition to the training, Airmen from the two squadrons were able to network and get to know each other.

“Competing with each other creates a bond, so we have that connection if the other unit needs support,” said Tech. Sgt. Ryan Rader, 100th LRS ground transportation chief dispatcher.

Participants were scored based on their total time and errors on each course.

“The forklift course is designed to have very tight corners, and you have to be meticulous when turning and knowing your pivot points,” said Rader. “You never know when you’re going to find yourself in a warehouse one day and have to move a part that has to go onto a very expensive aircraft.”

After the scores were tallied, the 48th LRS came out victorious. The squadron plans on hosting and participating in rodeos more often with the goal of vehicle operators from other neighboring bases competing as well.