AF, Rheinland-Pfalz prepare to celebrate 60 years together

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kay M. Nissen
  • 86th Airlift Wing
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE Germany --  Preparations are underway for the celebration of 60 years of the U.S. Air Force in Rheinland-Pfalz March 2.

Planning and contributions are expected to come from every group of the 86th Airlift Wing, as well as representatives from U.S. Air Forces in Europe and the state of Rheinland-Pfalz.

The celebration will be a shared occasion for host nation and the U.S. Air Force. Ultimately, both parties place value in commemorating the past 60 years.

"This celebration represents 60 years of German-American friendship and the developing process and interaction between the two countries," said Claudia Beavers-Rapp , chief of 86th AW host nation.

Maj. Kylene Ruth, the wing project officer for the event, also added, "This celebration is a great opportunity to recognize the very symbiotic relationship we have with our host nation."

Events scheduled for the celebration include a ceremony where a streamer will be presented to the wing by the minister president of Rheinland-Pfalz.

"We are being honored as a representative of U.S. Air Forces in Europe by the minister-presesident, Kurt Beck," said Beavers-Rapp.

In Ramstein-Miesenbach, the opening of a historical exhibit, "60 Years of Americans in Rheinland-Pfalz," at the Ramstein-Miesenbach Museum is also planned. The exhibit will feature Air Force and Army presence in Rheinland-Pfalz the past 60 years.

There is also a German-American concert to look forward to at the Haus de Burgers in Ramstein. The concert will be featuring Direct Hit, a USAFE band formation, and Phoenix Foundation, the state youth jazz orchestra. The bands will play music which highlight the time eras of the past six decades.

With all the buzz surrounding the upcoming occasion, Ruth explains why we choose to celebrate the event.

"We take the time to celebrate because it helps to motivate and encourage a continuing relationship with our friends in Germany and Rheinland-Pfalz," she said. "It is a unique and close relationship that will extend well beyond 60 years. "