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Air Mobility Rodeo 2011: Mobility Airmen in-process international teams

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Leah Young
  • Air Mobility 2011 Rodeo Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  A majority of the 34 international Rodeo competitors arrived at McChord Field July 18 and were in-processed by mobility Airmen from several different career fields.
The in-processing line consisted of eight different stations that provided the teams with everything they'll need during their stay.

"As the teams come through, we are their first stop," said Capt. Wesley Morgan, 627th Force Support Squadron military personnel flight commander. "Our goal is to basically check everyone in and gain a sense of accountability."

Rodeo competitors took a quick stop at personnel and were then given information concerning their rental cars.

"We've rented more than 800 vehicles out for the teams," said Staff Sgt. Justin Nolan, 627th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator. "I let them know which bus to get on, and that bus will take them to their car."

Rental car keys in hand, the teams ventured to the safety station where they were briefed on specific concerns they may encounter during their visit.

"The safety office basically just wants them to be informed," said Mr. Donald Washington, Air Mobility Command safety specialist from Scott Air Force Base, Ill. "We don't want anyone to be unsafe because they weren't aware of the precautionary measures. We brief them on things such as cell phone and seat belt laws. This is a new area to them, so we like them to be prepared."

Along with a ground safety briefing, the teams also received a communication safety briefing.
"We've supplied most of the teams with cell phones, computers, and other devices to use while they're here," said Airman 1st Class Clark Kelly, 627th Communication Squadron client systems technician. "We just brief them on the proper ways to use these devices; such as no personal use and make sure to always be polite and considerate."

Nearing the end of the in-processing line, competitors spoke with Airmen from the flight kitchen.
"We take orders for the teams' departure meals," said Staff Sgt. Sarah McDonald, 627th Force Support Squadron flight kitchen. "After RODEO, they'll receive these meals right before they board the plane to leave. We're preparing to make more than 1,200 meals for them."

Last but not least, the teams headed over to the morale, welfare and readiness station where they learned about activities in the local area.
"The teams coming in today will definitely have some down time, so we give them a brief overview of things to do both on base and in the surrounding community," said Mrs. Elizabeth Thunstedt, MWR special events coordinator. "I tell them about different facilities on base, and things like restaurants and museums in the local area."

After the teams finished with the line, they took a bus to their car and then arrived at their lodging facility. According to Morgan, Airmen work hard to ensure the process is smooth for RODEO guests.

"This took several weeks of coordination and preparation," said Morgan. "Our Airmen are out here working long shifts to take care of our guests and make their stay as enjoyable as possible."

The line was open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 18 and is also from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 23 for the arrival of the U.S. teams.