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Cock-a-doodle-doo: Ammo Airmen keep morale high with unit mascot

Bullet, the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions flight or ammo flight rooster, walks around inside the ammo yard security gates at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., June 12, 2013. Since 2003 a Gamecock mascot like bullet has been meandering around the entrance of the ammo area, guarding and welcoming ammo troops to work each morning while boosting morale at the units mascot. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella/Released))

Cock-a-doodle-doo: Ammo Airmen keep morale high with unit mascot

Bullet, the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions flight or ammo flight rooster, is held up by an Airmen assigned to the ammo flight for a photo as Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., June 12, 2013. Since 2003 a Gamecock mascot like bullet has been meandering around the entrance of the ammo area, guarding and welcoming ammo troops to work each morning while boosting morale at the units mascot. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella/Released)

Cock-a-doodle-doo: Ammo Airmen keep morale high with unit mascot

Bullet, the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions flight or ammo flight rooster, drags his wing when intimidated, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., June 12, 2013. Since 2003 a Gamecock mascot like bullet has been meandering around the entrance of the ammo area, guarding and welcoming ammo troops to work each morning while boosting morale at the units mascot. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella/Released)

Cock-a-doodle-doo: Ammo Airmen keep morale high with unit mascot

Published June 18, 2013
By Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions flight or ammo flight, brings a whole new meaning to "man's best friend."

About ten years ago, retired Air Force Master Sgt. Leonard Shields, was a University of South Carolina Gamecock fan and decided to bring ammo a mascot. Since S.C. is a Gamecock state, why not a rooster, said Master Sgt. Thomas Childress, 20th EMS munitions accountability officer.

Since 2003, ammo has caught many eyes of passersby. Some have even brought their children to the fence to see Bullet, the ammo rooster.

"He's pretty friendly to everyone," began Childress. "But, if he knows he intimidates people and gets the best of them (generally women), he'll chase after them."

Bullet is actually number four in the history of ammo Bullets, explained Childress.

"The first Bullet was attacked by a wild dog that got underneath the fence, the second got Cobble Foot, and the third was attacked by an animal," Childress continued.

Each of the Bullets had their own personalities, and may have had more spunk than others but the ammo troops grew fond of them all, Childress explained.

"I just got to Shaw about a month ago and when I first noticed we had a rooster, I found it interesting," said Airman 1st Class Rebecca Olsen, 20th EMS conventional maintenance crew member. "First thing I learned about Bullet was to run fast. The first week I was here, he attacked my hat," Olsen said as she laughed.

For the men and women assigned to 20th EMS munitions flight bullet is a part of the family and often provides comic relief during the daily grind.

"The funniest moment I witnessed with our present Bullet was watching him catch a reflection of himself in a truck bumper, thinking it was another rooster, he crouched down and puffed up," said Childress.

"I also find it absolutely hilarious when I see a grown man running and screaming as Bullet chases them across the ammo yard," he continued.

The ammo Airmen are always sure to provide Bullet with an array of delectable eats such as fruit, cracked corn, bugs, and food scrapes.

"Our first and second Bullets ate everything from chicken nuggets, French fries and burgers. They were even being to be able to recognize white paper bags when the Airmen brought in their lunch," continued Childress.

Having Bullet in the ammo flight has helped the Airmen out in many ways.
"He eats a lot of the bugs, keeps morale up, and keeps Airmen on their toes. He also keeps airmen ready for their physical training tests," Childress exclaimed jokingly.

Though many may agree that having a rooster as a friendly pet or mascot is unusual, Bullet has produced some fond memories with the Airmen in ammo flight.