Kaiserslautern American, July 22, 2016

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HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?

July 22, 2016

Volume 40, number 29

STEM-stimulating growth through education

A child participates in “Bumpity Bump Bump,” a game that is designed to help its participants get to know each other, during a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics youth camp July 11 on Ramstein. The game’s premise is to have kids learn the name of the peer next to them in the circle, and if they can’t remember it in time, they must be in the middle. This was one of several activities the children took part in during the beginning of the youth camp to become familiar with one another.

Story and photo by Airman 1st Class Lane T. Plummer 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs For most kids, once school is out for the summer, it’s all about vacations and staying up late playing video games until the next school year comes around. But those who attended the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics youth camp July 11 to 16 on Ramstein, their summers involved coding

computer programs, constructing robots, 3-D printing and more. For five days, kids ranging from sixth through eighth grade challenged themselves in a STEM youth camp. According to Monty Bussey, 86th Force Support Squadron teen program coordinator, the topics they learned about are ones that have a large impact on society. “Throughout this camp, we are encouraging kids to develop a heightened sense of learning in some big school topics,” Bussey said. “As Americans, we

are falling behind in these areas (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Getting kids involved in these subjects will hopefully inspire them and others to not only gain more knowledge but also possibly pursue a career in these fields.” From drones to toy railroad systems, the camp encouraged the kids to think outside the box and stay open minded. According to Bussey, the camp couldn’t have See STEM, Page 3

Tip of the Week Don’t leave your pets in the vehicle during warm weather!

he is the final word on safety for the squadron. “It’s a checks-and-balances system,” Armour said. “People know the AFIs, and I go out and make sure they’re doing it by the requirements. I’m the commander’s eyes when it comes to safety. Anytime something comes up that’s safety related, people come to me and I can answer any questions they might have.” The 721 APS Airmen often find

86 SFS welcomes new MWD, Page 6

themselves working with forklifts, building heavy pallets and loading large aircraft with cargo. There are many possibilities for injuries or damaging equipment. “Safety encompasses our entire job, even our basic core tasks that we accomplish every day,” said Senior Airman Gino Bogetti, 721 APS ramp services specialist. “If we’re not aware See 721 APS, Page 2

LIFESTYLES

“The mission of the 721st (Aerial Port Squadron) Safety Office is to advise the commander and prevent mishaps throughout the squadron,” said Master Sgt. Ryan Armour, 721st Aerial Port Squadron safety superintendent. “There’s a lot of moving components,

new Airmen arriving, so training is constantly happening. Really getting out and talking to individuals to try and prevent mishaps is our big mission.” As the superintendent, Armour is in charge of keeping equipment up-to-date on safety, training Airmen on safety regulations, ensuring those regulations are followed by conducting inspections and addressing any safety concerns brought up by Airmen. Through his knowledge of Air Force instructions,

NEWS

Story and photo by Airman 1st Class Tryphena Mayhugh 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

FEATURES

721st Aerial Port Squadron stays safe on job

7th MSC welcomes new commander, Page 8

Nanstein Castle is stage for international jazz festival, Page 15


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