News

Rodeo Aerial Port Team remains confident after spill

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jake Chappelle
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  There's no sense in crying over spilt milk. Or in this case a pitcher of water. 

The 446th Aerial Port Rodeo Team had their Aerial Port 10K forklift driving event on the flightline July 20, their first event of the Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2009. 

The course tests the operator's proficiency in maneuvering the forklift through the course while carrying a pitcher full of water to simulate a sensitive piece of cargo. 

Tech. Sgt. Josh Warbiany and Staff Sgt. Ben Thomsen represented 446th Airlift Wing Rodeo Team in the event. Sergeant Thomsen drove the first leg and Sergeant Warbiany picked up the rear. 

The team scored 305 out of a possible 550 points. 

"It didn't go as well as we planned because we dropped the water from the get go," said Sergeant Thomsen. "But we still feel strong about the rest of our events." 

"It's only one event," said Tech. Sgt. Ronald Rendorio, 446th Rodeo Aerial Port team member. "We're still confident." 

"Our time was eight minutes," said Sergeant Warbiany. "That's not bad considering we lost the pitcher. We also got docked for not checking the brake lights during the inspection." 

"We got docked some points, but we still have smiles on our faces," said Tech. Sgt. Dale Bucklin, another 446th Rodeo Aerial Port team member. 

The team remains strong and optimistic, according leadership. 

"Sergeant Thomsen kept his composure and that says a lot," said Lt. Col. Garin Tentschert, 446th AW Rodeo chief. "Most guys would have fallen apart after that type of mishap. But he stuck with it until the end and says a lot about his attitude." 

The 60K Tunner driving event will be held July 20 at 4:30 p.m. on the flightline side of the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron building.