European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 9, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Feb atoms forklift teams demonstrate skills in Hanau Road to spec. Kenneth Simpson follows the direction of his ground guide while mane vering a bucket of water. A by Wayne v. Hall staff writer duly enough there were no horses cowboys or clowns at a Rodeo held recently on Hutmier Cavern in Hana Germany. But there were plenty of forklift teams ready to accept the challenges at hand. A. Seventeen teams composed of a y Driver and ground guide from 3rd corps support come units came from As far As Nurnberg and Pir Masens Germany to take part in the unusual Competition and All with one goal in mind a earning the title of Best forklift operator. Rodeo contestants were divided into three categories one for each class of forklift 4,000, 6,000 and 10,000 pounds. They competed in a two part contest. The first was a technical inspection of the vehicles the second an operator proficiency course. Both portions were scored for time and accuracy. Quot they re going against the clock Quot said 1 St it. Miguel Antongiorgi. Of the 15th Ord in which played Host to the event. Quot they have to do it fast but they also have to do it  ail Crews faced a variety of tasks on the proficiency course each designed to test the operators skills based on the capabilities of their forklift. ,. One particular task common to All three classes was carrying buckets of water of the Forks while negotiating a course of pylons without spilling a single drop. After finishing the course the Crew had to go Back through it in reverse and then place the buckets inside other buckets on the ground. Other chores included moving loaded pallets boards and other types of loads. Probably the most challenging task for the 6,000-Pound Crews was the Washer event. Crews were required to pick up a Large Washer about 1 Inch in diameter on one Fork and carry it about 30 feet and drop it in a bucket. The purpose of the Rodeo was twofold Antongiorgi said. First it provided an Opportunity to Reward the hard working forklift Crews throughout 3rd corps support come with a Day of Competition. Second it was an Opportunity to find out who the Best forklift Crews Are. Only one Crew in each category could win the first place trophy but every Crew competing was a Winner Antongiorgi said. Everyone got a certificate of achievement for competing. A forklift team conducts its maintenance Check before running the obstacle course. Above left a two Nian team moves in on a bucket of water White above spec. Jerome dowdy of the 112th Mobile army surgical Hospital team signals to his Driver. H a it $ t t a above spec. Gregory Whiting directs Driver spec Charles Burns. At left spec. Hector Lucena of the 240th quartermaster service co checks Oil during the maintenance inspection. A amps photos by ill Wayne v. Hal one of the most difficult events lifting a Washer with a forklift. Trophies await winners in each weight category. 16 the stars and stripes monday May 9,1994 the stars and stripes 17