Airmen of a feather flock together

Photo By Master Sgt. Michael Cossaboom | Bullet, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions flight rooster, stands guard at the main gate of the ammo compound at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 14, 2014. Bullet is a 2-year-old rooster who helps boost the morale of Airmen, whether it be during ammo flight meetings or a chase when Airmen come into work. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael A. Cossaboom/Released)  

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

05.16.2014

Story by Airman 1st Class Michael Cossaboom 

20th Fighter Wing

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. - Around the military, service members have found ways to keep morale high while working, but the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions flight here hatched a new idea that's sure to keep Airmen on their toes.

Housed in the front of the ammo compound lives Bullet, the munitions flight rooster.

"Every morning when I walk in, Bullet is the first one to greet me," said Master Sgt. Thomas Childress, 20th EMS munitions accountability officer. "He'll follow me all the way to the front door."

The tradition of having a rooster mascot has been a squadron tradition for nearly 10 years. The current Bullet is 2 years old.

"Bullet isn't the first rooster we've had," said Childress. "He's actually number four. For various reasons the others passed away and we couldn't go on without a mascot. But I will say, this one is definitely the most beautiful of the Bullets."

During the day, Bullet stands guard in the ammo front compound to see who will enter the gate next.

"Bullet is pretty friendly with all the Airmen that come along," said Childress. "The worst thing he'll do is chase you."

"I feed a majority of the time," Childress continued. "Almonds and strawberries are his favorite, but he'll eat about anything."

With other shops around the military having a dog or a lizard to help boost morale of service members, the ammo Airmen here just laugh, thinking Bullet is better.

"Bullet is like no other," said Master Sgt. Terry Moore, 20th EMS munitions material superintendent. "He comes running whenever we call him, we even put him on a leash. He's an awesome bird."

"The Airmen are truly proud of him," Moore continued. "They love seeing him and they couldn't be more excited to have him."

Airmen come in all shapes and sizes, in this case the shape of a rooster. But regardless of what he is, the ammo flight Airmen love and treat him like one of their own.

• Date Taken: 05.16.2014
• Date Posted: 05.28.2014 15:11
• Story ID: 131344
• Location: SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SOUTH CAROLINA, US