HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
December 5, 2014
Volume 38, number 48
Ramstein paralegal named best of best Story and photo by Senior Airman Armando A. Schwier-Morales 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
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t starts with one 10-inch book, and then one becomes 10 books. The planning and research takes hours if not days, but she knows helping her peers become better is important. She believes in what she is doing and is willing to sacrifice the time and weekends to ensure a successful legal system. Recently, other people saw her willingness and named Tech. Sgt. Holly Bambarger, 86th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate paralegal, the Air Force Outstanding Paralegal NCO of the Year.
The award is named in honor of Chief Master Sgt. Steve Swigonski. NCOs are selected upon demonstrating superior initiative, technical skills, leadership, attorney and paralegal teaming, and devotion to duty. “To me, it’s a very distinct award because it’s saying that you are the best of the best in the paralegal world,” Bambarger said. “It’s a huge accomplishment because I have worked with some amazing paralegals, people I consider far better than me. It’s one of the biggest achievements I have made as an NCO.” Her award submission covered her time on a 365-day deployment to Afghanistan See PARALEGAL, Page 3
Tech. Sgt. Holly Bambarger, 86th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate paralegal, completes a will for a Ramstein member Nov. 25 on Ramstein. Bambarger recently won the Air Force Outstanding Paralegal NCO of the Year for her accomplishments, demonstrating superior initiative, technical skills, leadership, attorney/paralegal teaming, and devotion to duty at home station and overseas locations.
Angels in the KMC Story and photo by Senior Airman Timothy Moore 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
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Master Sgt. Timothy Bliefnick, 86th Comptroller Squadron and Wing Staff Agencies first sergeant, helps his daughter, Annabella, place an angel decoration on top of a tree in the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center Nov. 17 on Ramstein. The 13 trees set up around the KMC to accept donations are meant to be used to provide financial relief to military families during the holiday season.
Operation Warm Heart brings cheer to KMC, Page 3
See ANGEL TREE, Page 7
FEATURES
NEWS
Remain vigilant: With Christmas market season comes an increase in pick-pocketing, purse-snatching and petty crime. Remember to stay vigilant this holiday season.
LIFESTYLES
Tip of the Week
he 2014 Angel Tree program kicked off Nov. 17 at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center on Ramstein and will continue through Jan. 5. Headed by the KMC First Sergeant Council, Angel Tree is an annual program that helps provide financial relief to military families during the holiday season. First sergeants are primarily responsible for identifying families that may need help. In 2013, more than 200 KMC families, with more than 400 children, received aid,
including money and commissary gift cards, through donations provided via the program. “Through our jobs, we get to know our Airmen and learn when they have run into some hard times,” said Master Sgt. Timothy Bliefnick, 86th Comptroller Squadron and Wing Staff Agencies first sergeant. “They had extra car repairs or had a new baby, and they are struggling to get back on track. With this program, we take the money we collect and turn it right back into helping those that need it for the holidays.” The first sergeants also look toward other members, espe-
Nuremberg Christmas market, Page 15
A performance to remember, Page 18