An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

43rd LRS compete at Fort Bragg Rodeo

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jon LaDue
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Six vehicle operators from the 43rd Logistics Readiness Squadron were invited to participate in a vehicle Rodeo competition May 28 through 30 at the Fort Bragg fair grounds. 

There were two teams that participated in six events including Humvee parallel parking, straight-line backing, serpentine driving, tire change, inspection and a written test. 

This was the first time that members from Pope have been invited to participate. The team went through two days of training on the Army's M-1072 vehicles, driving with trailers and different events. The third day was then spent actually competing. 

For one 43rd LRS Airman, the experience of driving the Army's vehicles was not only fun but a learning tool as well. 

"It actually helped me learn it a lot better because I've never driven these vehicles and I'm learning how to drive the tractor trailer back at the shop. Backing up was one of my problems. Now that I have this down, once I get over there it will be a breeze," said Airman 1st Class Vrajhi Brisby, vehicle operator. 

The 43rd LRS Cobras did well with the competition, said Master Sgt. Dwayne Harris, team chief for the event. 

The Cobras took third place overall, competing against more than five other units from across Fort Bragg. 

"I think the team did great. Especially since we don't drive these vehicles often," said Sergeant Harris. 

Staff Sgt. Robert Yazinka, 43rd LRS, took second place in the individual competition with the highest score from all the team members.

The Rodeo was also fun for the 43rd LRS vehicle operators in a competitive type of way.
"The point was just to come out and have fun, to have a little competition with everybody together ... the Army versus the Air Force," said Airman Brisby. 

The Rodeo also served to show the other services that the Air Force can do everything, as well, which can help with joint readiness during deployments, said Sergeant Harris.
At the end of the day, the six Airmen and their team chief talked about the different events, strengths and weaknesses, but they all left with just a little bit more. 

"It meant a lot to our team, they felt like they were not only representing Pope, but the Air Force," Sergeant Harris added.