SAM Squad lets rookies feel the burn with challenge Published Nov. 14, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Kamaile Chan Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 312th Training Squadron hosted the 3rd Annual Rookie Fire Fighter Challenge Saturday at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy training grounds. Approximately 100 people attended the three-hour event. "The purpose of this event is to recognize and promote the SAM Squad (Goodfellow's firefighter challenge team) and to promote what the firefighters do everyday," said Lt. Col. Shawn Moore, 312 TRS commander. "The event allows both the group and the wing to share in the hands- on training and spirit we share here at the 312th," he added. The Rookie Challenge featured six teams in this year's competition. The Marines Alpha team took first place, holding onto their title from last year, while Air Force Alpha team and Marine Bravo team took second and third place respectively. SAM Squad members Marine Staff Sgts. Nicholas Cook and Charles Ammon and Air Force Staff Sgt. William Gates and Tech. Sgt. Joseph Stacker were responsible for organizing the event. "Although our team didn't finish in first place the Rookie Challenge was a lot of fun. Plus it's a good way to show our support for the guys on the SAM Squad," said Tech. Sgt. Tom Hamilton, member of the Super Wings Rookie Fire Fighter Challenge Team. "I have to give it up to them (the SAM Squad). These challenge obstacles aren't a walk in the park, so you would have to consider these guys to be pretty hard core for dedicating a lot of their personal time to doing what they do at all the challenges they compete. No wonder ESPN calls it the toughest two minutes in sports. Unfortunately it took us four minutes," concluded Sergeant Hamilton.
