Yokota Air Base, Japan --
Over 400 Airmen gathered on the flightline for the 374th
Maintenance Group Wrenchbender Rodeo March 31, 2017, at Yokota Air Base, Japan.
The Rodeo consisted of four teams of 42 Airmen from the 374
MXG, 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 374th Maintenance Squadron and the 730th
Air Mobility Squadron.
The teams competed against each other in nine events
including: 4-man push-ups, vehicle push, blindfolded toolbox buildup,
maintenance relay, tow bar obstacle course, leadership tool identification,
chock hold, Self-Aid and Buddy Care relay and finished with a C-130 pull.
The MX Rodeo is a morale event and allows for friendly
competition between the various maintenance squadrons on base. All ranks are
able to compete during the events and squadron leaders competed alongside first
term Airmen.
According to 2nd Lt. Marcelli K. A. Magday, 374 MXS
maintenance flight commander, the increase in comradery and team building that
comes from the rodeo is important for the morale of the maintenance squadrons.
“The MX Rodeo is not a standalone event,” said 2nd Lt.
Jarrett L. McGinness, 374 AMXS assistant aircraft maintenance unit officer in
charge. “It plays a part in the bigger Wrenchbender Banquet.”
The Wrenchbender Banquet is the Maintenance Annual Awards
Ceremony and is scheduled to be held on April 14, 2017. The ceremony is where
the outstanding maintenance Airmen and squadron’s accomplishments are
recognized.
The rodeo effects the banquet in that the squadrons earn
points toward winning the, “Spirit Award,” which is presented to the winning
squadron during the Wrenchbender Banquet.
According to Magday, while there are no physical or monetary
prizes, Airmen from each organization gain a sense of pride, accomplishment and
recognition for their work.