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McGuire aerial porters train hard, showcase abilities at Rodeo 2007

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebekah Phy
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Team McGuire 305th Aerial Port Squadron members recently participated in the C-17 engine running on-and-off load event for the Air Mobility Command Rodeo 2007 at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. 

Five McGuire aerial porters, including Tech. Sgt. Joe Layman, 305 APS special handling technician and Rodeo team chief, Senior Airman Regis Dumm, 305 APS ramp specialist, Senior Airman Tim Hackett, 305 APS joint inspector, Senior Airman Matt Benjamin, 305 APS passenger service agent, and Airman 1st Class Ryan Nobach, 305 ramp specialist, along with the aircrew and the loadmaster, Senior Airman Brian Kienholz, 6th Airlift Squadron, all competed in the intense event. 

"The purpose of the engine running on-and-off load event is to expedite aircraft through airfields," said Sergeant Layman. "Basically, if we are in a hostile environment, it lowers the ground time of the aircraft, so it's safer for the aircraft and personnel." 

Training seems to be critical in preparing for the Rodeo ERO event. The participants are required to complete the on-and-off load in less than 12 minutes, otherwise they are disqualified. 

"We have three months to train specifically for Rodeo," said Sergeant Layman. "We can't start training until May 1, per Rodeo regulations. So, in those three months, we train as hard as we can. We really wanted to make sure we were prepared." 

The team seemed to agree that the hardest part of the event was making the time requirements. For the on-and-off load event, their overall time was 10 minutes, 36 seconds. 

Although the team was able to complete the event in the time allotted, they had slightly higher expectations for themselves. 

"We were able to complete the event in less than 12 minutes, which was our main goal," Airman Hackett said. "We're really happy about that, but even after all of our training, we thought we would do really well in certain events and although we did well, it wasn't as well as we expected. Training is extremely important and even when you think you're prepared; if it's possible, train even more." 

Whether or not they met their own expectations, the McGuire leadership who came out to support and cheer on their teams seemed very proud of all the participants. 

"The ERO event was awesome, they were 'boogying' big time," said Lt. Col. Craig Cady, McGuire Rodeo 2007 team chief. "The team trained really hard, and it paid off. They did really well." 

Other leadership seemed to agree. 

"In 1982, I was the practice driver for the ERO Rodeo team," said Col. Randall Harvey, 305th Maintenance Group commander. "It scared me to death that I would fall off the ramps of a C-141. I'll tell you what though, I love this stuff. The 'McGuire Attitude' the participants have, that's what I love. They have great attitudes. I am really proud of all our troops; they have truly excelled." 

"What I'm most proud of is that this is a true team event for the C-17 team," said Col. Jim Kerr, 514th Air Mobility Wing commander. "This is the first active-duty/Reserve team. Up until this Rodeo, we competed against each other. Now, we are one team. 

"The Air Force is trying to transform into the new Air Force of the future, including total force integration of active-duty and Reserve personnel. Our mission is 'unrivaled wingmanship' to help our active-duty counterparts in any way we can - so we blend and you can't tell us apart. This speaks volumes of where we're headed in the future."
Overall, although the team did not place first in the Rodeo ERO event, they did gain a lot from Rodeo 2007. 

"This was the first Rodeo for our aerial port team," Sergeant Layman said. "I'm really proud of our team and Rodeo was a really great experience for all of us. There was a lot of camaraderie, and it was great to meet people from all over the world to experience different cultures." 

"Rodeo has been a lot of fun," Airman Hackett said. "I loved being able to meet up and compete against former friends and co-workers. Old friendships can definitely be rekindled during Rodeo." 

For all future Rodeo competitors, the team agreed to achieve success, train hard, have fun and be safe. 

"Prepare, prepare, prepare for this event," Airman Hackett said. "Training is a must for the endeavors you will face in future Rodeo competitions. But don't forget to have fun. Rodeo is a great chance to make friends, reunite with old friends and let your hair down. Work hard, but play hard, too." 

"All in all, Rodeo has been a great chance to showcase the talents of individual bases and reward them for it," said Airman Kienholz. "It's been a great experience we will never forget."