Little Rock security forces looking for a win at Rodeo 2011

Published July 21, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark, -- Members from the 19th Security Forces Squadron's Rodeo team say they are poised and ready to bring home the trophy from this year's Air Mobility Mobility 2011 at McChord Field at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

The five-man team, led by first-time team chief, Master Sgt. Stephen Hicks, 19th SFS training superintendent, has been training daily and fine-tuning their group dynamics since early May.

"We run and swim daily...practice firing, self-aid buddy care, weapons strip down and team tactics," said Hicks. "We're all released from our sections to do just that: Rodeo training."

The team is confident the training will give them the needed edge to beat out the other teams as they participate in the combat weapons event, combat tactics event, sharpshooter event and the combat endurance course.

"We practiced and we're well-rehearsed in our tactics and shooting skills," said Hicks. "Our confidence level is high."

The team has their sights set on winning all four events, but one event stands out in their minds.

"Our ultimate goal is winning the combat endurance course," said Staff Sgt. Patrick Dent, 19th SFS desk sergeant.

Although this is the first chance for Hicks to lead a Rodeo team -- he previously participated in the security forces-specific Defender Challenge -- this is not the first RODEO for a few of his teammates.

"Three of us have [Rodeo] experience, so we know what to expect," said Dent.

Competing with Hicks and Dent are: Staff Sgt. Carl Hook, Rodeo team captain; Senior Airman Timothy Collar and Staff Sgt. Gregory Creel.