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Altus stands tough throughout fifth day of 2011 AMC Rodeo

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenneth W. Norman
  • Air Mobility Wing Rodeo Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Fans cheered as the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron Rodeo Team from Altus Air Force Base, Okla., crossed the finish line of the 2011 Air Mobility Command Rodeo Aerial Port Challenge Course July 28, marking the end of their final competition.

"It was a big relief crossing that finish line because we're done - the competition is over - we have award ceremonies tomorrow, then were packing up and heading home to Altus America," said Staff Sgt. Michael Ladrigan, 97th LRS Rodeo Team chief.

During the AP Challenge Course, the five-man team from 97th LRS ran a 3.6 mile, 14-obstacle course intended to challenge the their physical and mental ability and team work.

"We all came together as a team," said Senior Airman William Martineau, 97th LRS Rodeo Team member.

"It went great" Ladrigan said. "It was pretty much exactly what we trained for. Martineau is right we started as a team, stayed as a team and finished as a team."

The next event of the day was the pre-flight event for the 97th Maintenance Directorate KC-135 Rodeo Team. The pre-flight event evaluates teams on their ability to ensure aircraft are ready for operation before flight.

Shortly after the 97th MX Rodeo Team finished their pre-flight event, it was the 97th Security Forces Squadron Rodeo Team's turn in the bullpen to ride the Combat Endurance Competition, which bucked 18 obstacles, four Combat Skills, 1.2 mile run and tested the team on physical conditioning and field craft skills.

As the 97th SFS Rodeo Team crossed the finish line, the 58th Airlift Squadron Rodeo Team saddled up for takeoff to complete their heavy air drop event.

The 2011 AMC Rodeo rolls to an end and the final event scheduled for Team Altus is to be performed by the 54th Air Refueling Squadron Rodeo Team. The 54th ARS is scheduled to complete night air refueling and night instrument approach later this evening.

The only event of the day tomorrow is Closing Ceremonies.

Editor's note: This is the sixth part of an eight part series.