Thanks, congrats Team Dover

  • Published
  • By Ernst M. Arndt
  • Deputy Chief Magistrate/Judge, Kent County, Del.
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  It was an honor and privilege to attend Air Mobility Command Rodeo 2011 with the team from Dover Air Force Base, Del., at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. I would like to thank Col. Mark Camerer, 435 Airlift Wing commander, for hosting us on the trip, and say congratulations to the C-17 Starlifter team and the C-5 Galaxy team for all the trophies and awards they won in competitions last week.

The hard work, pride and dedication of the Airmen was evident in the competitions, as well as the down time at the tent in the ranch.

On the way to McChord we flew on the C-17. The entire crew made us feel welcome and made sure we had anything we needed. We were allowed to be on the flight deck to observe the flight, which was a treat. On arrival at McChord we were greeted by the Rodeo commander as well as the base commander.

The fun started July 31, watching the teams compete. The only complaint I had was I could not be in more than one place at a time to watch all the teams compete. I would say my highlights were the ERO (engine running on-load/off-load) competition for the C-5 and C-17 as well as the combat courses. I also enjoyed visiting with various members of the crews during the flight as well as at the tent.

The flight back was on the C-5 where again the crew made sure we were well taken care off. Thank you to the pilot and co-pilot who let me observe (from the flight deck) the take off and part of the flight back to Delaware.

All of this would not have been possible without Camerer's hospitality and the hard work of Jennifer Vallee (public affairs chief of community relations). Vallee had the responsibility to get four civic leaders to not only the competitions, but various events scheduled through out the week. In addition, she was our driver to and from the hotel and any other place we needed or wanted to be.

Thank you for allowing me to become part of the team and see how much hard work everyone does to keep us safe and free.