HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
August 2, 2013
Volume 37, number 30
USAFE-AFAFRICA AGOS incorporates international students Story and photo by Airman 1st Class Jordan Castelan 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs American service members shared a Joint Fire Observation class with international soldiers on Einsiedlerhof Air Station, July 25. For the first time in history, American armed forces instructed its JFO course to international students. A representative from Hungary and two from the Czech Republic experienced the two-week class alongside American service members. “This is the first time we’ve had international students,” said U.S. Army Chief Warrant
Officer 4 Chad Barrett, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Air Ground Operations School joint fire deputy. “The three international representatives we have also possess the three highest grades in the class. Their work ethic is outstanding, communication issues and language barriers have been near transparent.” Soldiers from the Czech Republic and Hungary have been working side by side with their American counterparts since day one. Language was a concern; however, it was quickly considered an afterthought. “We had a great opportunity presented to us,” said U.S. Army Sgt.
1st Class Joshua George, U S A F E - A FA F R I C A AGOS JFO course NCOIC. “The training provided a view into each other’s operations techniques. By having these students attend and garner knowledge, not only on their systems but ours creates a very cohesive operating unit.” Members from the Czech Republic and Hungarian armies shared George’s thoughts on the program. “We rapidly adapted into the program,” said Czech armored forces 2nd Lt. Jan Ivan, 13th Artillery Brigade artillery reconnaissance platoon leader. “Here we See USAFE, Page 3
From left to right, Czech Republic armed forces Staff Sgt. Petra Manhart, 13th Artillery Brigade artillery reconnaissance platoon gun commander, works with U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew England, 2nd Calvary Regiment infantryman, in the first ever multinational Joint Fire Observer course taught July 25 on Einsiedlerhof Air Station.
Deployment Transition Center celebrates third anniversary Story and photo by Senior Airman Aaron-Forrest Wainwright 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Photo by Senior Airman Aaron-Forrest Wainwright
Viking Challenge
Share the road. Look out for bikes, ATVs and pedestrians.
FEATURES
Tip of the Week
LIFESTYLES
Hundreds of participants run and walk in the Viking Challenge July 29 on Pulaski Barracks. For more photos, see pages 20 and 21.
The Air Force Deployment Transition Center on Ramstein celebrated its third consecutive year, helping more than 6,000 military members returning from combat. “The DTC was set up on Ramstein because it was thought to be the best spot logistically,” said Master Sgt. Cory Hancock, 86th Mission Support Group deployed transition center
Park in Freisen hosts medieval market, Page16
Supporting spouses during deployments, Page 13
mission set manager. “Initially the DTC stood up to help with service members who may have traveled outside the wire.” The anniversary celebration featured prior attendees who shared their stories on how the DTC impacted their life. “It’s amazing how many people come through here that we are able to help,” said Staff Sgt. Carol Elam, 786th Force Support Squadron fitness center representative who went See DEPLOYMENT, Page 2
378
As of July 31
586