Cartoonists observe Airmen in action at Ramstein

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amanda Dick
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Nine cartoonists from the National Cartoonist Society were recently given a glimpse of what Air Force operations look like at Ramstein Air Base.

As part of a two-day United Service Organizations morale tour April 28 and 29, the cartoonists took time to interact with various Airmen throughout Team Ramstein in their jobs.

"I grew up with no military background whatsoever in my family -- even in my community -- so it's neat to see what an amazing well-oiled machine the military can be," said Mason Mastroianni, artist of B.C. comic strip. "All the things [the military] does and how well they're doing it is just amazing. I have a newfound respect."

While at Ramstein, Airmen took the cartoonists around, visiting various locations like the air traffic control tower, flightline fire department, a C-130J, a C-17 and the 435th Contingency Response Group.

"It was pretty cool to showcase what we do in the CRG," said Tech. Sgt. Shane Shugart, 435th CRG contingency response NCO. "It's good when people take time out of their busy schedules to come over and visit, especially when they don't know a whole lot about the Air Force."

Sergeant Shugart escorted Mr. Mastroianni around the CRG compound, the 435th Construction and Training Squadron's depot site, as well as Ramstein's newest C-130J, which had just returned members of the CRG from off-station training with Bulgarian military forces.

The other portion of their visit in the Kaiserslautern Military Community included time with wounded warriors, military members and their families.

"It's neat that we can come out and support the guys who are fighting for us, doing the jobs we don't know a lot about and really show our support," said Mr. Mastroianni, who has been drawing for B.C. since his grandfather and creator of the strip passed away in 2007.

Throughout the tour, the group of cartoonists also showcased their skills to Airmen, providing their own perspective of Air Force life as well as a unique token of appreciation.

"[The trip] has been very busy, but it's been wonderful and enlightening," Mr. Mastroianni said. "It's just great to see a smile on people's faces as you're drawing for them. It's so much fun, and it's great to feel like we're giving back and doing something good -- it's a wonderful feeling."

Along with Mr. Mastroianni, the group included Bruce Higdon, Army cartoonist; Tom Stiglich, editorial cartoonist; Ray Alma, MAD magazine artist; Ed Steckley, MAD magazine artist for DC comics; Stephen Silver, Kim Possible cartoonist; Chad Carpenter, Tundra comic strip artist; Rob Harrell, cartoonist; and Dave Mowder, licensing artist/illustrator for Warner Brothers, Disney and Peanuts.