Aircrew wins 1st place at AMC RODEO Published July 30, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Herard 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE Ill. -- Two members of the 311th Airlift Squadron celebrated a first place win after a week-long mobility competition at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., known as Air Mobility RODEO 2009. Capts. Tony Marshall and Mike Trodden won Best Operational Support Airlift/ VIP Special Air Mission aircrew, after competing against teams from Air Education and Training Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews AFB, Md. During the competition, the C-21 pilots were judged on a spot landing, timed arrival and a block in time. "We carry distinguished visitors who need to be on time," said Captain Marshall. "This competition was a reflection of how we should all be performing. It was very competitive, but it was an honor to learn more about what we do, as well as compare and contrast the techniques of other squadrons ... and other airframes." The competition was very close. During the precision landing portion of the competition the 311th AS team landed only 16 feet closer to their target than their closest competitor. The team spent months preparing for the event and their commander said the award is a reflection of the entire squadron as well as the 375th Airlift Wing. Lt. Col. Jeffrey Witkop, 311th AS commander, said, "They worked very hard to accomplish what they did and had a lot of people behind them. People worked more hours than usual so that they could practice, it was nice to see the whole squadron work toward the same goal. "It's nice to see success when you work hard. When you come out on top among all your peers, it's a big deal, professionally for the wing and personally because we are all proud." The 311th AS is a geographically separated unit of the 375th AW, which is located at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.