Ramstein Airman wins Guardian Angel award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Aaron-Forrest Wainwright
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The Air Force "Guardian Angels" is a group of phenomenal men and women who make up nine capabilities synonymous for specialized operations -- their moto, "That others may live ... to return with honor."

Some of these core specialties include combat rescue officers, pararescuemen, and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialists. What these Airmen bring to the fight is advanced training in order to go into hostile areas and bring any fallen brothers or sisters back alive.

Recently, an 86th Operational Support Squadron Airman here was recognized as one of the cream of the crop by winning the Guardian Angel award for his second consecutive year.

Staff Sgt. Josh Krape, 86th OSS SERE specialist, won the award at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa level and will be going forward to the Air Force level.

"It's great being able to win, even if there is low competition we are always trying to win, It'll be cool to put it up on my shelf this year," said Krape.

Those who excel in their profession and are active in their community are rewarded the Guardian Angel award.

"Sergeant Krape is a really hard worker, he's always volunteering for everything and works to get the mission done," said Staff Sgt. Tony Fancher, NCOIC of SERE operations and training.

All aircrew members undergo initial SERE training but must maintain proficiency every few years to maintain mission-ready status by taking a refresher SERE course that is held once a month. The SERE refresher course they receive here prepares crew members for deployments.

The SERE specialty is designed train different members on how to survive in dangerous climates. From deserts to the artic to open oceans, jungles and mountain ranges - these Airmen are put through years of rigorous training in order to train others on how to survive.