86th Services Squadron puts AF slogans into action

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Every base with a flightline and Airmen has likely heard of the Air Force priority, "Taking care of Airmen and their families," programs like "Year of the Air Force Family" or "Month of the Military Child," but what makes these words come to life is action.

At Ramstein, the 86th Services Squadron put these slogans to work April 29 when more than 150 unit members from volunteered their day setting up food booths, face-painting stands and a bouncy castle at the Northside Post Office to simply show gratitude to the community.

"We are here today to say thank you to Ramstein and the KMC community for their service," said Col. Dawn Lancaster, 86th SVS commander.

There was quite a showing from members of the largest squadron on base. Some cooked and served food, others simply wore lion suits and face makeup to greet local children.

"I wasn't sure what was going on. I thought maybe it was some sort of flea market , but quickly one of the services Airmen came to my car, grabbed my box from my arms and said 'let me carry that for you,'" said Stephanie Schroeder, a local national civilian employee who has worked for AAFES for 12 years.

Many of the participants expressed their reason for volunteering as simply being a part of a great base.

"I have been here at Ramstein 25 years; it's a great community to belong to and we are here to say thanks," stated one SVS member.

As one family was helped carry in several large boxes it became evident that this was perhaps one of the last stops they would make on the base before PCSing.

"It was really nice to have the help," said Kelsey Knaub, spouse of Capt. Jordan Knaub, headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe, who are PCSing after three years in the KMC. "Ramstein has been a great base, and we will miss it."