37th AS gives back with orientation flight

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nicole Sikorski
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Airmen from the 37th Airlift Squadron gave a big "thank you" to German locals who work on Ramstein Air Base through an orientation flight here June 29.

The flight was designed to give German members a better understanding of what Airmen at Ramstein do and give them an appreciation of how much their work affects the mission.

More than 20 smiling and excited faces boarded the C-130J Super Hercules. Some had never flown on a U.S. Air Force aircraft before.

"It was an amazing experience," said Monika Berry, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa funds management specialist. "I would have come back from leave for this flight.  I am grateful that the 37th AS gave us this opportunity and to have gotten a seat on the flight."

Capt. Jonathan Recor and Capt. Sean McKee, both C-130J pilots assigned to the 37th AS, took their passengers 500 feet above the ground performing maneuvers and giving them an experience of what their everyday life looks like.

"It's important for the local nationals to know how much the military members appreciate the work they do," said McKee. "Everyone in the group today has a direct piece in making the mission at Ramstein happen.  It's also a physical example of the great partnership that we share here."

Along with the pilots, Senior Airman Steven Garrison, 37th AS loadmaster, attended to the German locals' in-flight needs to make it a comfortable and exciting experience.
According to Recor, the flight was much appreciated by locals as well as the pilots, who were glad to have them on board. 

"It was great to look around the flight deck and see the pride," said Recor.

Giving back to the community and local partners is key in accomplishing the Air Force mission.