February 5, 2016
Kaiserslautern American
Page 1
HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
February 5, 2016
Volume 40, number 5
Ramstein hosts 8th CMSAF Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Armando Schwier-Morales 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Ramstein hosted the eighth chief master sergeant of the Air Force for a base visit Jan. 25 to 29. Sam E. Parish, retired chief master sergeant of the Air Force, spoke with more than 700 of the Air Force’s newest chiefs and future N COs throughout his visit. He saw the mission of the 86th Airlift Wing, the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and the 521 st Air Mobility Operations Wing. He also visited with U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Airmen. “To be able to see the looks on the (faces of Airmen) when you are talking to them is just absolutely awesome,” Parish said. “Knowing (what challenges they face) and that I have lived it and to try to convey the message that it can be a great life is unbelievable. It’s a great honor to serve and to be able to meet with these young Airmen.” The Airmen of the 86th AW demonstrated to Parish how they generSee CMSAF, Page 2
Sam E. Parish, retired chief master sergeant of the Air Force, interacts with Airmen of the 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Jan. 27 on Ramstein. Airmen from the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing had an opportunity to meet Parish and discuss the differences between when Parish enlisted and the current Air Force. Parish was the guest speaker at a variety of venues including Airman Leadership School, squadron all calls and the chief induction ceremony as part of his visit.
Tip of the Week February is African-American Heritage Month. Events include storytime at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Vogelweh Library and a bowl-athon from 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Ramstein Bowling Alley.
Master Sgt. James Davis, USAFEAFAFRICA command chief, and his wife, Pat; and Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Easton, 86th AW command chief, and his wife, Yolanda, all attended the panel to speak with Airmen and their families about what has gotten each of them through more than 20 years of marriage. “What I really appreciated about the forum was that there was a chance
KMC children celebrate kinder Fasching, Page 6
for (experienced couples) to talk about (lessons they have learned) with more than 25 years of marriage (each),” Easton said. “My wife and I jumped at the opportunity to provide the advice we can. All four couples (agreed) that our marriages aren’t perfect, and there is no such thing. You just have to continue to work at it.” See COMMITMENT, Page 3
SCHOOLS
Being a 24/ 7 Airman sometimes requires service members to make personal sacrifices. According to senior leaders at Ramstein, in a career where being away is common, making deliberate time for your loved ones is paramount in upholding balance and happiness in a partnership.
Four senior leaders and their spouses gathered at the Ramstein Community Center Jan. 22 to speak about how to make marriage withstand the test of time. Maj. Gen. Timothy M. Z adalis, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa vice commander, and his wife, Carol; Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander, and his wife, Leah; Chief
NEWS
by Senior Airman Nicole Sikorski 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
FEATURES
Senior leaders talk about commitment
NCOA PME strengthens, molds mentors, Page 8
Parent-teacher conferences keep communication open, Page 13