Airmen get into Drill Down Spirit

  • Published
  • By Mike Joseph
  • 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO - LACKLAND, Texas --  Airmen who gathered in the stands behind the Basic Military Training Reception Center set an enthusiastic tone before Saturday's quarterly drill down competition started.

As drill team members from the three competing squadrons with the 37th Training Group and one from the 737th Training Group waited nervously to begin, a series of cheers moved through the spectators packed in the stands - almost 2,000 technical training students - in a giant wave.

Their message to the competitors: Forget the elements - a brisk northerly wind and occasional mist - it's game on and we're behind you.

"You could see by the crowd out here that these teams are absolutely getting the support they need from their peers," said Col. Jeanne Hardrath, 37th TRG commander. "When you've got the fans cheering you on, you can't help but do a great job in the competition."
The Airmen's enthusiasm quickly spread. It wasn't long before several senior leaders in attendance were voicing their support.

Teams from the 342nd, 343rd, 344th and 324th Training Squadrons' Holdover Airmen Development Program demonstrated their skills in open rank, regulation drill and exhibition weapons drill competitions.

Boosted by first-place finishes in exhibition weapons drill and regulation drill, the 343rd TRS took home the overall trophy. The 344th TRS was second overall, including first place in open rank and the 324th TRS finished third.

"I'm relaxed now but it was kind of stressful," said Airman Shakira McElveen, 343rd TRS team drill commander, as she cradled a trophy after the competition was over. "I was nervous, so for me, that meant I cared about winning.

"I had confidence in my team and they had confidence in me, so we got out there and did what we needed to do," she said. "It was fun although it takes dedication and hard work."
Airman 1st Class John O'Neill, who was in charge of the 343rd exhibition weapons team, said several hours were devoted to practice each day after classes.

"There was a lot of preparation to get the precision and snap in our routines," O'Neill said. "We took a lot of time and broke down every movement. We've put in a lot of hours and I'm proud of our team members and their efforts."

"It is absolutely fantastic they're willing to put this time in," said Hardrath. "They're great examples of the dedicated and innovative Airmen that are coming into the Air Force today."

"They were awesome," said Col. Deborah Liddick, 737th Training Group commander,
about the 324th TRS team. "They only had a week to practice."

After attending his first drill down competition as 37th Training Wing commander, Col. Mark Camerer said, "I'm thoroughly impressed."