Professional Bull Riders honor Nellis Airmen at world finals

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LAS VEGAS (AFNS) --  Members of the international Professional Bull Riders, Inc., association saluted the Air Force and the accomplishments of several Airmen during their World Finals in Las Vegas Oct. 22.

The special-themed Air Force Night kicked off with a swearing-in ceremony for 25 members of the Delayed Enlistment Program, conducted by Lt. Col. James McElhenney, deputy commander of the 563rd Rescue Group, Operating Location Alpha. It was his first opportunity to conduct a swearing-in ceremony in a public setting.

"It was very enjoyable, especially since I'm a fan of bull riding," Colonel McElhenney said. "I got to chat with many of the recruits, who were very excited about joining the Air Force. They seemed to be of excellent caliber, especially considering how competitive it is to join these days."

After the DEP ceremony, eight Airmen entered the center of the arena and stood on a stage with an American flag that rotated during the playing of the national anthem. They were:

Maj. Chris Richardson, assistant director of operations and a combat search and rescue pilot in the 66th Rescue Squadron;

Maj. Tim Matlock, an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter pilot and commander of Detachment 1, 563 Operational Support Squadron;

First Lt. Matthew Carlisle, a combat rescue officer with the 58th RQS;

Master Sgt. Dana Vaughan, a pararescueman and flight chief in the 58th RQS;

Staff Sgt. Michael Winnett, a flight engineer in the 66th RQS;

Staff Sgt. Michael Perkins, 99th Civil Engineering Squadron, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight;

Staff Sgt. Dustin Heines, 99th CES, EOD Flight; and

Staff Sgt. John Wawrznski, 99th CES, EOD Flight.

During the intermission, five more Airmen were honored during a patriot ceremony sponsored by Wrangler. They were:

Master Sgt. Kisha Washington, 99th Logistics Readiness Squadron;

Master Sgt. Jeramie Brown, 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office;

Senior Airman Shawn Rhinehart, 99th Security Forces Squadron;

Senior Airman Jason Isada, 99th SFS; and

Senior Airman Kyle Vega, 757th Aviation Maintenance Squadron.

Each of the Airmen from the two ceremonies had deployed several times and were honored for their service.

"The arena was packed every night," said Master Sgt. James Black, superintendent of Air Force Motor Sports at Air Force Recruiting Service. "PBR fans tend to be very patriotic and pro-military, so our sponsorship of these kinds of events is a perfect fit and goes a long way in raising awareness."