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  • Host nation partnerships vital to operational success

    You and your families' hard work and selfless sacrifice are vital to the Air Force mission. This week I want to remind us of another vital partner in our Air Force mission, our U.S.-German host nation partners. Our host nation teammates are here in today's fight and will be there for tomorrow's

  • Leadership lessons from the Red Baron

    Most Airmen know Manfred von Richthofen as the Red Baron and the man who shot down over 80 Allied aircraft in World War I--the leading ace from all nations in the "War to end all Wars." Most don't realize that he was also a tremendous squadron commander and leader of warriors. The short version of

  • Cooperation builds strong relationships, lasting impact

    With the operational readiness exercise in full swing, you may not have noticed the three Macedonian Army officers who visited parts of the 86th Airlift Wing this week. Even though the group was small, it is part of a larger long term effort to build partnerships and cooperative relationships with

  • Ramstein School-Age Program launches recycling, energy conservation campaign

    The Boys and Girls Clubs at the Ramstein School-Age Program announced the launch of a community-wide recycling and energy conservation campaign. Spearheaded by The Kool Kidz Express Torch Club, a character and leadership program for Boys and Girls Club members ages 10 to 12, the Be Great! Be Green!

  • Exercises sharpen skills for ORI, real-world events

    Team Ramstein, next week hundreds of 86th Airlift Wing and 435 Air Ground Operations Wing Airmen kick off the second of five operational readiness exercises we've scheduled before our operational readiness inspection in September.You are incredibly busy winning today's fight in operations Enduring

  • Reflective belts better than the alternative

    By day, I'm mild-mannered Air Force journalist Austin May. But when night falls, and morale is in danger, I don my sweats and cutoff t-shirt and take to my art studio.In each of my Air Force-themed comics, "Air Force Blues," "Box D Blues" and "Air Force Toons," on varying levels of facetiousness I

  • Inspire positive change

    Our federal holidays commemorate momentous dates and people in history, giving us an opportunity to reflect on significant events and celebrate leaders that have shaped our great nation. On January 18th, we Americans will do just that as we honor and celebrate a man who inspired a country to change

  • America's Airmen flourish when their leaders trust them

    I've observed two different types of leaders over the years when it comes to trusting the airmen that work for them. In one camp, the leaders want to see the airmen perform first and have the airmen earn their trust. In the other, the leaders automatically trust the airmen and, also, carry high

  • Fly, fight and win...in 2010...and beyond

    Happy 2010 to Team Ramstein! If 2009 was any indication, the 86th Airlift Wing's "fly, fight, and win" mission here in Europe will keep growing in 2010. Fly: In April we will receive our our 14th, and final, C-130J Super Herc and become fully operational soon thereafter. Meanwhile our guard and

  • Looking back while moving forward

     Team Ramstein, your service continues to amaze this Airman. The Command Chief and I witnessed your leadership first hand these past two weeks during our Operational Readiness Exercise. From mobility processing to learning how to survive and operate in a hazardous environment we came together to