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Electrical instructors place second in military division of International Lineman's Rodeo and Expo

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vernon J. Cunningham
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Electrical systems instructors from the 366th Training Squadron placed second overall in the military division of the 24th Annual International Lineman's Rodeo and Expo in Overland Park, Kan., Oct. 27. 

A six-man team - three competitors and three judges - represented Sheppard AFB in this year's contests. 

The 366th TRS's team included electrical systems instructors Tech. Sgts. Todd Kinsey, Brian Drennan and Staff Sgt. Randy Myers as competitors. Master Sgt. Dan Polk, 366th TRS Electrical Flight superintendent, Staff Sgt. Derrell Guillory and Aaron Jackson, 366th TRS electrical systems instructors, served as judges throughout the rodeo.

The rodeo featured the best electrical linemen from around the world to compete in events based on traditional lineman tasks. There were 230 teams in this year's rodeo, each competing in four events.

· Hurtman Rescue - A simulated rescue of a man from high voltage lines down a 40-foot pole. 

· Pole Climb - Skillfully perform a timed ascent/descent on a 40-foot pole without breaking an egg. 

· 10-foot Cross-arm Replacement - Replace deteriorated equipment while creating barriers between technician and simulated voltage-charged lines. 

· Insulator Change - Simulate changing equipment with electrically charged lines 

The International Lineman's Rodeo and Expo serves as an opportunity for Sheppard electrical systems instructors to show they rank among the best linemen in the world. 

"Because we teach it, we should be the best at it," said Staff Sgt. Myers. "Students going through the course have rodeo champions teaching them. Therefore, they know we are the best."

 The International Lineman's Rodeo and Expo is the ultimate display of the skills taught by the 366th TRS electrical systems instructors, Master Sgt. Polk said.

The 366th TRS started sending linemen to compete in rodeos in 1999. The 366th TRS instructors took first in the military division of the rodeo the previous two years. 

Sergeant Myers, a first time competitor, said he particularly enjoyed the insulator change out. This was the first time he used the auxiliary arm, a temporary support apparatus for overhead conductors. 

"It was interesting," said Sergeant Myers. "I like using stuff that I have not seen before."