’Chute’-ing for success: Leaders learn the ins and outs of successful rigging

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

01.25.2011

Story by Pfc. Donte Gordon 

101st Division Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Key leaders were taken through a step by step process of rigging different types of loads, learning the ‘"do’s and don’ts" of basic rigging. Specific instruction highlighted safety, attention to detail, and the importance of teamwork and communication.

“I think it’s important for the seniors and key leaders of our brigade to understand what the riggers do on a daily bases,” said Cpt. Michelle Wylie, Support Operations Battle Captain for 101st Sustainment Brigade. “The atmospheric conditions can be very rough, but regardless, they always complete the mission.”

“The work that’s done has depth to it…it’s not just about what needs to be rigged, but more importantly, why they do it. They’re the ‘unsung heroes’ of this brigade…the work they do saves lives,” she said.

Senior and lower enlisted parachute riggers gave the leaders words of motivation and encouragement as the training began. Wylie was taught in basics of rigging by one of the junior enlisted Soldiers. “Spc. [Kenny] Bosh was guiding me through each step as if he’d been a 20-year veteran,” she said.

Participants worked effortlessly to put together bundles of water, preparing, tossing, stacking, and wrapping, working together and communicating with one another to better understand the container delivery system.

“It was hectic at first, but when everyone got into a good rhythm, it was much more organized,” said Pfc. Vonza Abney, a parachute rigger of 11th Quartermaster Detachment, Alpha Company, 101st Sustainment Brigade.

“As soon as they understood what they were doing, they became even more motivated. They got a chance to see what we do every day. It felt pretty good to see that,” Abney said.

Eyes and ears were open wide as key leaders focused in on the future of the Army, correcting deficiencies with ease, learning the intricate details of rigging.

“There was a lot of motivation and mass participation. It was great to see them appreciate the work we do. They’d come down and visit us from time to time while in Garrison, but nothing like this. It was nice to see something different,” said Sgt. Jenny Castro, a parachute rigger of 11th Quartermaster Detachment, Alpha Company, 101st Sustainment Brigade.


“I think it’s going to take more hands on training for them to fully understand what our day is like out here, but it still felt good to see them out here getting their hands dirty,” Pfc. Ashley Way said, a parachute rigger of 11th Quartermaster Detachment, Alpha Company, 101st Sustainment Brigade.

“It’s great to know that our brigade commander understands what it takes to complete our mission, both in the rigger shed and at the command tower. It was great to see him out here as well,” Way said.

“It’d be pretty cool to see them rig the chutes as well. Doing trash runs, use the forklift, go on trash runs…just so they can get the full effect of being a rigger. They did a great job, and looked very excited to participate,” Way said.

As the working day was done, key leader personnel gathered to show their appreciation to the 101st and 82nd Sustainment Brigade parachute riggers, lead in words of commemoration by 101st Sustainment Brigade commander Col. Michael Peterman.

101st Sustainment Brigade Commander Col. Michael Peterman said he believes it was important for key leaders to understand what goes on in the rigger shed.

“What they experienced out there will motivate them to better support the aerial logistics operations,” said Air Force Tech Sgt. Joseph Johnson, Brigade Air Drop NCOIC, 101st Sustainment Brigade.

“It’s an eye opener to those personnel that don’t understand what riggers really go through on a daily basis. It makes people who don’t know what we do…respect what we do,” Johnson said.

• Date Taken: 01.25.2011
• Date Posted: 02.03.2011 01:15
• Story ID: 64698
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF