HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
January 31, 2014
Volume 38, number 4
AF, Army exercise demonstrates airborne, ground combat by Staff Sgt. Kris Levasseur 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Air Force and Army combat specialists from the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment had a chance to demonstrate their ability to exercise effective command and control during a recent exercise designed to test their ability to assault a simulated enemy compound. The exercise, which took place at the Grafenwöhr Training Area, consisted of approximately 50 members training with and
against several ground and aerial platforms, including Army Strykers, UH-60 Blackhawks and AH-64 Apaches. “The training provided us a chance to work with our Army counterparts, which is not something we get to do every day,” said Senior Airman Bobby McDonald, 2nd ASOS joint terminal attack controller. “This is important for us, especially our younger JTACs, because our job supports Army combat units. We provide close air support, resupply drops, air assaults and several other tactical functions in order to protect friendly
forces and prevent unnecessary danger to their lives.” McDonald added that JTACs go through rigorous training prior to arriving at their first duty station. Technical training takes more than two years to complete and requires them to attend several schools around the U.S. “What we do is necessary, because we bring a critical capability to the fight,” McDonald said. “The skills we bring to the fight are very complex and sophisticated, and there is no See EXERCISE, Page 2
Courtesy photo
Senior Airman Charles Blumel, 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron RF transmission journeyman, and Staff Sgt. Hailey Sundberg, 2nd Weapons director craftsman, provide close air support and command and control during a recent air assault exercise at the Grafenwöhr Training Area.
MP Soldier gives back to community by Sgt. Jere R. Cerdenio 95th Military Police Battalion Public Affairs
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Make sure you are aware of the recent changes to AFI 36-2903 (dress and appearance).
Staff Sgt. Amanda Sandry, 86th Medical Support Squadron laboratory technician, takes inventory of testing supplies and equipment Jan. 22 on Ramstein. Tests performed at the medical laboratory are used to accurately diagnose a patient’s illnesses, allowing 86th Medical Group personnel to treat the problem. For more on the 86th MDG, see Page 8.
After The Battle: The bandage mission, Page 5
SPORTS
Tip of the Week
Laboratory Airmen lifeblood of 86th MDG
LIFESTYLES
See GIVING BACK, Page 3
Photo by Staff Sgt. Kris Levasseur
FEATURES
oldiers and their family members often give back to their military community by volunteering. Whether it is donating supplies or time, volunteering with various organizations is a way to help those in need. One NCO recently enlisted the help of his Soldiers and their families to help a local nonprofit organization. Sgt. 1st Class Glenn DeSimon Jr., 21st Theater Sustainment Command, 95th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade operations NCOIC, coordinated a food donation and service for the Fisher House on Wilson Barracks Jan. 16. DeSimon, who hails from Canon City, Colo., is an NCO who is always looking for ways to give back to the community, particularly with the Wounded Warrior Project. He recently expanded the range of his volunteering and began working
Check out the latest vacation photos!, Page 21
Midnight burn at Northside Fitness Center, Page 26