Checkin' out the hardware

Members of the Rheinland-Pfalz community visit the 86th Security Forces Squadron display at the Rheinland-Pfalz state fair, Ingelheim, Germany, June 1. Different squadrons and groups from Team Ramstein had static displays at the state fair to show the community what their mission is here. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Trevor Rhynes)

Ramstein Airmen visit Rhineland-Pfalz state fair

Published June 7, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Trevor Rhynes
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The community of Rheinland-Pfalz held its 29th annual state fair in Ingelheim/Rhein from June 1 to 3.

Representing team Ramstein were Airmen from multiple squadrons and groups, including the 86th Comptroller Squadron, the 721st Aerial Port Squadron and 1st Combat Communications Squadron, several of the Airmen got the chance to meet Minister President Kurt Beck, Rheinland-Pfalz state governor.

"It was great for me to meet some of the people who help defend us," said Beck. "Our military is here with the American military showing what their mission is."

For one Airman, getting the chance to attend this year's state fair offered him the opportunity to try something that most Airmen don't experience.

"We got to meet someone in a leadership position, who we normally wouldn't get a chance to meet," said Airman 1st Class Joshua Peckham, 86th Comptroller Squadron financial management apprentice. "It was a nice experience, he shook our hands and thanked us for what we do."

The fair was also an opportunity for the community to learn more about the military's mission.

The fair was also an opportunity the community to learn more about the military's mission here. The different static displays allowed Airmen to interact with visitors and also showed them how involved the military is in the community.

"People got to ask questions and see demonstrations, like a military working dog display," said Peckham. "I even learned some things from the different personnel briefing at each stand."

"This whole event shows the community that we're working with our (host nation) counterparts," he said. "The interaction between military and civilians shows that we care about being here."