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  • Firefighters build confidence during rescue operations training

    The 435th Construction Training Squadron conducted rescue technician certification training that tested 11 firefighters in simulated operations.Not only was this a great opportunity for the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, but it was also my chance to get a taste of what these heroes

  • Honor super omnia...Honor above all things

    The weather is crisp and stern. With a 30 percent chance of rain and a low temperature of 43 degrees, runners adorned their various costumes and neon running suits with scarves and gloves as they prepared to run a 5K in memory of Airman 1st Class Zachary Ryan Cuddeback.With bib numbers tacked on and

  • Leadership on duty, balance in life

    Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State Colin Powell once remarked that, "Leadership is the Art of accomplishing more than the Science of Management says is possible." As this statement indicates, the difference between leadership and management is not simply semantic,

  • Sequestration: How USAFE-AFAFRICA may be affected

    As we approach the automatic budget cuts slated to go into effect on March 1, I would like to share some of my thoughts on how our command may be affected and how we will respond. Our outstanding team of resource managers has tirelessly planned for these cuts, and we are prepared to implement them

  • VRS keeps responders rolling

    When you call an emergency number, such as 112 here in Germany, how would you feel if they told you to call back later due to first responder vehicles, such as police cars and ambulances, not being serviceable? Fortunately, there is a robust process in place to make sure that does not happen. Here

  • Sexual assault: Not in our Air Force

    Sexual assault is a cancer on our Air Force and core values. The abuse of recruits at Basic Military Training by those charged with training them to be Airmen casts a dark shadow over our professionalism and undermines trust in our Air Force. I, however, want to be clear. Lackland Air Force Base and

  • Virtus Perdurat

    Our wing motto, "Virtus Perdurat," which translates to "enduring courage," exemplifies our commitment to the combat airlift ethos -- there is no Airman, Soldier, Sailor or Marine ever alone while we are on duty. It defines the excellence we expect of our Airmen and reminds us of the proud heritage

  • Commander focus: building sustainable readiness in 2013

    The New Year provides an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and focus our priorities in 2013. The 86th Airlift Wing and Team Ramstein had a monumental year in 2012. We were continuously engaged in operations in the U.S. European Command, Africa Command and Central Command areas of

  • Every Airman a Sensor

    I would like to have a few moments of your time to tell you something of great concern to me. I have had the privilege of serving in the Air Force for 35 years and there is nothing more important to me as your commander than your safety and your welfare. I recently began visiting your wings and many

  • Make readiness a personal experience

    Recently the world watched in shock as U.S. embassies in multiple countries came under attack and we suffered the first death of a U.S. ambassador in office, in more than 20 years. These events serve as a reminder to Airmen everywhere on how quickly and unexpectedly the call for help can come and