Devil Raider spirit triumphs at Air Mobility Rodeo

Published Aug. 5, 2011
By 1st Lt. Brooke Brzozowske
621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Members from the 621st Contingency Response Wing returned July 30, 2011 with heads held high and holding hardware from Air Mobility Command's Air Mobility Rodeo 2011, held July 24-29 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Devil Raiders competed in contingency response operations, aerial port and security forces competitive events, ultimately returning with their crowning achievement, AMC's Best Contingency Response Operations Team.

Further recognition included trophies for AMC's Best Joint Inspection Team, Best Advanced Designated Marksmen Team, Best Contingency Response Small Package Initial Communications Element and Best Contingency Response Hard-side Expandable Light Air-mobile Shelter.

Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 was the Mobility Air Force's readiness competition. This competition focused on improving worldwide air mobility forces' professional core abilities. More than 150 teams and 3,000 people from the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and allied nations participated this year.

Capt. Todd Caskey, 621st CRW rodeo team chief, spoke to the heart and dedication of his team, from the beginning of the training through the closing ceremonies.

"Their story is really one of tenacious spirit. I didn't see a more motivated and professional unit out there," said Caskey. "All of our Airmen were incredibly invested in this competition."

It was an incredible week, he explained. The team had camaraderie unlike anything most participants and evaluators had ever seen.

"Each of our Devil Raiders showed up in full force for all competitions, Caskey said. We even showed up for our competitors' events to cheer them on, sometimes even bringing them beverages to celebrate. I mean, in what other wing would you see that kind of esprit de corps?"

Teamwork took center stage during the competition, explained Colonel Chris Patterson, 621st CRW commander. With warrior work ethics, the Devil Raiders overcame many challenges.

"There were a couple of events where the equipment malfunctioned, gears wouldn't shift, time would run tight, and our teams had to work together around physical and mental obstacles," Patterson said. "You could see the sweat in their eyes, their exhaustion, but they always pushed through."

"Our guys are problem solvers, pure and simple," he continued. "These events, while challenging, were nothing new to them. This is what they do."

The rodeo was more than competition, said Senior Airman Christopher Fronapfel, 621st CRW aerial porter. While achievement and recognition were welcome, many returned with more than trophies.

"I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and learn about what other units do," said Fronapfel. "Who knows, we might be working next to some of these new partners during our next response operation."

The CRW is a rapid response unit tasked with establishing emergency or contingency airfields in remote, damaged or dangerous locations worldwide on short notice.

"These guys are tough, and really good at what they do, said Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Daubert, 621st CRW command chief. "The theme was consistent--tremendous teamwork and communication. My chest swelled with pride as I witnessed all the red hats out there supporting each other."

"It's a huge honor to come home with two of the three contingency response awards and the JI and marksmen trophies, said Tech. Sgt. Michael Gomez, 621st CRW security forces advanced designated marksman. We just gave it our best, and it's nice to know that our best is really the best."