RODEO 2009: Mobility Airmen step up to make event successful

Published July 21, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Herard
RODEO 2009 Public Affairs

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- With more than 100 teams and 2,500 people, McChord Air Force Base is seeing a significant increase in its population due to the Air Mobility RODEO 2009.

To support the increased numbers, McChord and other Air Mobility Command bases have pulled together many resources to ensure RODEO's success.

The 62nd Security Force Squadron here is one of the organizations that provides RODEO support 24-hours-a-day.

"We had to increase our amount of posts and coordinate our manning between our Airmen, augmentees and support from other Air Mobility Command bases," said Master Sgt. Jose Marroquin, 62nd SFS operations assistant superintendent.

The 62nd SFS also increased their manning to monitor traffic. Sergeant Marroquin said they had to open two more gates. His security forces Airmen filled those gate positions because McChord's civilian contractors are limited on the amount hours they can work. The 62nd SFS also put additional people on the flightline while events were taking place.

"I underestimated how large RODEO is," Sergeant Marroquin said. "I've done air shows, but those are only three days and they are mainly on one area. For air shows, the rules are easier because there are no foreign nationals. We held exercises though, so our team is totally prepared.

"Our guys may not be participating, but their job is ensuring that everyone is safe," he added.

The 62nd Force Support Squadron also had to make accommodations at base facilities for RODEO.

"We have seen a huge increase from U.S. teams and international teams, which is good because it shows that fitness is still on the forefront, even with their busy schedules," said William "Pappa J" Johnson, 62nd FSS fitness center athletic director. "Although our facility is small, it is an Air Force Services Agency five-star facility, and we make up for it in the quality of our equipment."

Mr. Johnson also said most RODEO guests were impressed with the 15-inch television screens on the cardiovascular equipment.

The Olympic dining facility was another 62nd FSS organization supporting RODEO.

"We did not increase our manning, but we have been serving about an extra 300 people a day," said Master Sgt. Rodell Nilo, dining facility manager. "It was great to see the international teams and we learned some stuff, such as we had to put pictures on the signs so they knew what food was being served."

Sergeant Nilo said he worked at lodging during RODEO 2007 and thinks the dining facility is much easier because he did not have to deal with wrong names, extra people and cancelled reservations.

To further stretch manpower, each organization provided volunteers to be RODEO Wranglers.

"Wranglers have to make sure everyone is going where they are supposed to go and is where they are supposed to be," said Airman 1st Class Amanda Mead, 62nd Logistics Readiness Squadron supply apprentice.

The people behind the scenes are continuing to make the event as smooth as possible. For example, despite standing in the heat, Airman Mead said, "it is nice to be out of the office and see people from different parts of the world. I'm more than happy to do what needs to be done."