Electrical instructors place second in military division of International Lineman's Rodeo and Expo

Tech Sgt. Brian Drennan, an electrical systems instructor with the 366th Training Squadron, competes in the Hurtman Rescue event at the 24th Annual International Lineman's Rodeo and Expo at Overland Park, Kan., Oct 27. The Sheppard team placed second in the military category. (Photo courtesy of Major Majken Tutty)

Electrical instructors place second in military division of International Lineman's Rodeo and Expo

Staff Sgt. Randy Myers, an electrical systems instructor with the 366th Training Squadron, competes in the Pole Climb event at the 24th Annual International Lineman's Rodeo and Expo at Overland Park, Kan., Oct 27. The Sheppard team placed second in the military category. (Photo courtesy of Major Majken Tutty)

Electrical instructors place second in military division of International Lineman's Rodeo and Expo

Published Nov. 5, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Vernon J. Cunningham
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 366th Training Squadron Electrical Systems Instructors placed second overall in the military division of the 24th Annual International Lineman's Rodeo and Expo in Overland Park, Kan. on October 27.

The rodeo featured the best electrical linemen from around the world to compete in events based on traditional lineman tasks. There were 230 teams in this year's rodeo, each competing in four events.

A six-man team - three competitors and three judges - represented Team Sheppard in this year's contests, which included:

· Hurtman Rescue - A simulated rescue of a man from high voltage lines down a 40-foot pole.

· Pole Climb - Skillfully perform a timed ascent/descent on a 40-foot pole without breaking an egg.

· 10-foot Cross-arm Replacement - Replace deteriorated equipment while creating barriers between technician and simulated voltage-charged lines.

· Insulator Change - Simulate changing equipment with electrically charged lines

The International Lineman's Rodeo and Expo serves as an opportunity for Team Sheppard to show how our electrical systems instructors rank among the best linemen in the world.

"Because we teach it, we should be the best at it. Students going through the course have rodeo champions teaching them. Therefore, they know we are the best," said Staff Sgt. Randy Myers, 366th TRS electrical systems instructor.

The 366th TRS started sending linemen to compete in rodeos in 1999. The 366th TRS instructors took first in the military division of the rodeo for the previous two years.

In addition to Sergeant Myers, the 366th TRS's competition team included electrical systems instructors Tech Sgt. Todd Kinsey and Tech Sgt. Brian Drennan. Master Sgt. Dan Polk, 366th TRS electrical flight superintendant, Staff Sgt. Derrell Guillory, 366th TRS electrical systems instructor and Aaron Jackson, 366th electrical systems instructor, served as judges throughout the rodeo.

Sergeant Myers, a first time competitor, said he particularly enjoyed the insulator change out. This was the first time he used the auxiliary arm, a temporary support apparatus for overhead conductors.

"It was interesting," said Sergeant Myers. "I like using stuff that I have not seen before."

The International Lineman's Rodeo and Expo is the ultimate display of the skills taught by the 366th TRS electrical systems instructors, Sergeant Polk said.