DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 7th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department and Emergency Services hosted a remembrance muster in honor of their members who have died in the line of duty, Feb. 23, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.
The muster brought together the base for a firefighter-geared workout in teams of four people, competing for bragging rights. The workout is meant to challenge the physical strength and endurance that is used during an emergency.
“It was a humbling experience and privilege to be able to participate,” said Tech. Sgt. Trevor Taylor-Tillet, 7th Contracting Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of the Contingency Support Cell. “As firefighters, they are required to maintain a high level of physical fitness in order to accomplish their job every day, but for all Airmen it showcased why we also must be physically fit to meet our mission.”
The workout included basket drags, firehose carry, dead-weight drags, and tire flips, all of which are different scenarios that could be used during an emergency or rescue. The teams worked together to complete each course in the shortest amount of time, with the winning team, CGO’s, at a time of 127.92 seconds.
“My favorite part of today’s events was our ability to come together and build comradery as well as partake in friendly competition for bragging rights,” said Taylor-Tillet. “Col. Parker did a great job in leading us and keeping everyone’s energy levels and enthusiasm high despite the bad weather.”
Col. Brandon Parker, 7th Bomb Wing commander and Col. David Doss, 7th BW vice commander participated in the muster and spoke on the importance of the event.
“You can tell a lot about a person by who they choose to memorialize,” said Parker. “It’s great that we remember and reflect on those that have come before us, and those that have fallen.”
The Dyess Fire Department and Emergency Services still honor and remember the two Airmen lost in the line of duty. Dean Chapman died on February 13, 1980, while servicing fire extinguishers and Staff Sgt. Ray Rangel died exactly 25 years later on February 13, 2005, while attempting to rescue soldiers outside of Balad Air Base, Iraq.
The muster is the second remembrance event held in the memory of the lost Airmen since their passing.