Feb 22, 2013 - Kaiserslautern American

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February 22, 2013

HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?

Volume 37, number 7

Black History Month Luncheon

Photo by Airman 1st Class Holly Cook

Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson Jr., U.S. Africa Command senior enlisted leader, speaks at a Black History Month Luncheon Tuesday at the Ramstein Officers’ Club. The luncheon honored many historical figures who contributed to the fight for equal rights for black Americans. Ashanti Branch, daughter of Timothy Branch, 21st Theater Sustainment Command G3 Plans plans specialist, also danced to traditional music in traditional African-American clothing while guests ate lunch and viewed a historical slideshow.

435th AGOW celebrates 70th anniversary Monday

Tip of the Week Save energy! Turn off the lights when not needed.

See ANNIVERSARY, Page 5

Courtesy photo

A historical photo depicts members of the 435th Troop Carrier Wing posing with a C-46 Commando. The 435th TCW eventually became the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary Monday.

SPORTS

T

he 435th Air Ground Operations Wing celebrates the 70th anniversary of the 435th Troop Carrier Group Monday. The 435th was created as part of the Army Air Force’s new tactical airlift force, one of many groups flying a vast armada of unarmed C-47 Skytrains and gliders. The 435th entered World War II on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The group commander, Col. Frank J. MacNees, personally piloted Maj. Gen. Maxwell Taylor onto his drop zone

in Normandy, France, to lead the airborne assault on Fortress Europe. From D-Day onward, the 435th was involved in every major troop carrier mission in the European theater: operations Dragoon, over Southern France; Market, over the Netherlands; and Varsity, the final Allied crossing of the Rhine River. The 435th also led the aerial resupply of Bastogne, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge. After the war’s end, the 435th cased its colors on Nov. 15, 1945. The 435th returned to service in 1947, flying C-46 Commandos from Palm Beach, Fla., for the Air Force Reserve. Two years later, the group

FEATURES

by Daniel Phoenix 435th Air Ground Operations Wing historian

Culinary Arts Fair comes to Baumholder, Page 15

Half marathon takes place March 24, Page 26

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As of Feb. 19

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