April 13, 2012
HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
Volume 36, number 15
Deployed pilot 76th AS holds memorial for IFO-21 runs for charity by Airman 1st Class Trevor Rhynes 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
by Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
See MEMORIAL, Page 6
Soldier inducted into Sergeant Morales Club by Sgt. Michael Reinsch U.S. Army Europe Public Affairs
S
taff Sgt. Dustin Sigmon, a squad leader for the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery, was inducted into the Sergeant Morales Club during a ceremony March 29 on Panzer Parade Field. “A Sergeant Morales inductee is one that represents the NCO Corps at its best,” Sigmon said. “Most people in the Army are familiar with the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club in the United States. Well, here in (U.S. Army Europe) we have the Sergeant Morales Club.” The Sergeant Morales Club was
TIP OF THE WEEK
Barbecue season started. Never leave your grill unattended. Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors.
established in 1973 by Lt. Gen. George S. Blanchard to promote the highest ideas of integrity, professionalism and leadership for the enlisted force serving in Europe. Gaining membership into the club is a rigorous and competitive event. The club focuses on exemplifying a special kind of leadership characterized by a personal concern for the needs, training development and welfare of Soldiers. These traits are tested and scrutinized during a series of three boards. The final board decides which Soldiers will be inducted into the prestigious club. “I went from my battalion level to my brigade level and then finally to the 21st TSC level,” said Sigmon, a Sherrills Ford, N.C., native. “The 21st
FEATURES
See CHARITY, Page 7
Photo by Airman Brea Miller
Chief Master Sgt. James Morris, 86th Airlift Wing command chief, takes a closer look at a painting during a memorial ceremony April 5 on Ramstein. The portrait was provided by retired Senior Master Sgt. Mel Sylvester and retired Master Sgt. Mike Bulko in honor of the members on flight IFO-21. On April 3, 1996, a CT-43 aircraft that was assigned to the 76th AS crashed outside of Dubrovnik, Croatia, during a peacekeeping mission. This year marked the 16th anniversary.
NEWS
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Imagine running from Munich, Germany, to Paris, France. An Airman’s feet may callous just thinking about it. Now, factor in an Afghanistan deployment amidst the dust, heat and a 30 pound pack. How many people would take a pass on such a lofty challenge? Capt. Tyler Streit, a 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron pilot deployed from the 76th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein, didn’t take the easy road, but embraced the challenge. “There’s a million reasons not to do something, but the one that matters is the one you have to keep hold of,” Streit said. He said running 500 miles was a worthwhile goal, but not for the reason some might think. He may be in fit-to-fight shape, but he didn’t run 500 miles in 180 days to live out a lifelong track star fantasy. Streit ran to raise money for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. The disease hits close to home because his family friend and high school soccer coach was struck with it a decade ago. Dr. Scott Mackler, an athletic 40-yearold at the time, was diagnosed with the disease and given a grim prognosis, Streit said. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons that affect the brain’s ability to control muscle
The 76th Airlift Squadron held its 15th annual memorial service for the 35 members of call sign IFO-21 April 5 on Ramstein. “We still remember the family and friends we lost 16 years ago,” said Col. Stephen Lambert, 86th Airlift Wing vice commander. “No matter whether we knew them by blood or by service, tragedies like this stay with us a long time.” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown, his delegation and six crew
TACPs complete training in France, Page 6
Airman’s Attic holds grand re-opening, Page 17
board was pretty intense. I had to keep calm and multitask. During the board, the NCO has to display his knowledge of his Soldiers that fall directly underneath him. He has to be able to evaluate his Soldiers, know their needs and the areas where they excel at, and be able to communicate that to the board members. At the same time, he has to show that he has the technical skill to do certain tasks to be able to lead and teach his Soldiers.” There was no doubt in the 25-yearold’s mind about becoming part of the Sergeant Morales Club. He was told about it by a long time mentor of his that he should try to be See MEDAL, Page 2
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As of April 9
635