Ramstein Bazaar celebrates 50 years of community partnerships

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Holly Mansfield
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The 86th Force Support Squadron and Ramstein Officers' Spouse Club teamed up recently to hold the 50th anniversary of the Ramstein Bazaar here Sept. 18 to 21.

With the smell of food in the air and items ready to sell in booths that spanned two hangars and a tent, more than 28,000 patrons from the Kaiserslautern Military Community and surrounding areas came to find deals, purchase gifts and have a good time.

"We had a variety of food vendors from different private organizations and concessionaires selling unique jewelry, furniture and European merchandise," said Maria Castillo, 86th Force Support Squadron community services flight chief and action officer for the bazaar.

The 86th FSS and ROSC Bazaar Committee members organized volunteers from multiple units to assist the more than 160 vendors from Europe, including units in the KMC, to deliver the largest military bazaar in Europe by selling everything from pulled-pork sandwiches to hand-made wooden clocks. The volunteers spent five days leading up to the event setting up more than 2,500 tables and benches and hundreds of booths for vendors and private organizations.

"We had more than 5,000 volunteer hours," said Castillo. "They setup, tore down, cleaned up and ensured it was a safe event. Their hard work and planning allowed for a positive experience and showcased the installation."

The ROSC worked thousands of hours with the 86th FSS and other base agencies to deliver a "can't-miss" event for KMC residents.

"We are great partners with all of the organizations on base that were committed to making this event happen for members of the KMC," said Glenda Young, Ramstein Bazaar Committee chairwoman. "FSS is a great partner of ours, and we enjoyed working with them all year long to plan and execute this event."

The 86th FSS will use the profits from the bazaar to re-invest in quality-of-life facilities, programs and events such as the Rockin' 4th Freedom Fest, Trunk or Treat and Day for Kids. The ROSC's proceeds from the bazaar will be given back to the community in the form of scholarships, donations to youth programs, support for awards, fitness programs, childcare costs for volunteers and dorm baskets.

While the bazaar helps the community financially, according to Master Sgt. Justin Hemken, 721st Aerial Port Squadron NCOIC of ramp services, the bazaar also built morale and was a great event that people looked forward to all year.

"It (the bazaar) built partnerships," said Hemken. "It was a great way for different organizations to communicate with community leaders who don't have access to Ramstein Air Base or don't come here every day. We got to know them and built that relationship."

Partnerships, organization and volunteerism made the 50th anniversary of the event a time to remember; and according to Hemken, if someone is going to be stationed at Ramstein, they definitely don't want to miss the bazaar.