Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Stone | Command Sgt. Maj. Jacinto Garza, command sergeant major, 43rd Sustainment Brigade,...... read more read more
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The cheers and applause of Soldiers could barely be heard over the din of roaring engines and hissing air brakes during the 32nd Composite Truck Company’s inaugural truck rodeo April 9-10, 2015, on the motorcycle safety course pad.
Most of the company’s Soldiers are motor transport operators and the rodeo was designed to test their skills and determination, said Master Sgt. Shaun Prior, rear detachment NCOIC, 32nd CTC, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade.
“Their first day was composed of eight events that ranged from alley docking and parallel parking to the straight line backing (of) a M149 water buffalo,” said Prior. “The first day was truck driver skills, and the second transitioned to the theme of shoot, move and communicate.”
The final day consisted of 10 events including disassembly and assembly of an M4 carbine, assembling a radio and conducting a radio check, and an obstacle course. Two-man teams had to complete 100 pushups, fireman’s carries, tire flip, litter carry with a 175-pound dummy, chain drag, five-gallon water jug shuttle and a run to the last station.
After being winded from racing to complete the course with the fastest time, the competitors had to recite the Soldiers Creed or the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer.
“I love these kind of events, they build teamwork but also keep you proficient in warrior tasks and battle drills,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jacinto Garza, 43rd SB.
“It’s great to have pride in being a truck driver, but before they even issued you (a military occupational specialty) you were a Soldier.”
The event helped foster strong bonds between the Soldiers and their Families as they enjoyed cheering on the competitors and sharing a barbecue both days.
“We wanted an event that would test the skills of our new crew but also be a fun organizational event,” said Prior. “Families came out to watch, to get to see some of the skills that the Soldiers use every day.”
Prior said Sgt. 1st Class Ronnie Biggers, senior truck master, 32nd CTC, was the driving force behind the rodeo.
“We’re hoping we can use this as a pilot program,” said Biggers, who organized and planned the event.
He said next time they have the event they hope to invite Soldiers from their battalion and possibly their brigade.
The Soldiers competing in the rodeo are part of the rear detachment company. The main body of the company is supporting a mission in Kuwait.
| Date Taken: | 04.10.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2015 17:39 |
| Story ID: | 161692 |
| Location: | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US |
| Hometown: | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US |
| Hometown: | FORT CARSON, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 62 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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