HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
July 26, 2013
Thracian Summer US Airmen jump with Bulgarians during two-week flying training Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Trevor Rhynes 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Leaders from the U.S. Army Reserve Command and U.S. Army Europe observed a foreign consequence management static display and capabilities demonstration provided by the Soldiers of the 7th Civil Support Command July 15 on Daenner Kaserne. The visiting leaders were Maj. Gen. Richard C. Longo, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Europe; Maj. Gen. John R. O’Connor, the commanding general of
the 21st Theater Sustainment Command; and Maj. Gen. Luis R. Visot, U.S. Army Reserve Command operations deputy commanding general. The visiting generals observed the close working relationship between the two subordinate units of the 7th CSC, the 773rd Civil Support Team and the 196th Medical Support Unit, as personnel from both units responded to a simulated Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear event as part of the demonstration. See DEMO, Page 7
Photo by Sgt. Justin L. Arrington
Bulgarian paratroopers perform a static-line jump from a C-130J Super Hercules during a flying training deployment July 15 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. FTD Thracian Summer was a two-week training deployment for American and Bulgarian forces to work together and learn how each other perform their mission.
Tip of the Week For those participating in the Viking Challenge today, drink plenty of water and ensure you are getting the proper nutrition. Motivate each other, have fun and be safe.
Staff Sgt. Jessica Searcy (foreground), 773rd Civil Support Team, 7th Civil Support Command, briefs Maj. Gen. Richard C. Longo (left), deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Europe; Maj. Gen. Luis R. Visot (center left), deputy commanding general (operations) of U.S. Army Reserve Command; Brig. Gen. Paul M. Benenati (center right), 7th CSC commanding general; and Maj. Gen. John R. O’Connor (right), 21st Theater Sustainment Command commanding general, during the command’s foreign consequence management capabilities display and demonstration July 15.
HEALTH
See TRAINING, Page 2
USARC, USAREUR observe 7th CSC capabilities demo by 1st Lt. Kimberly Farmer 221st Public Affairs Detachment
FEATURES
PLOVDIV, Bulgaria — More than 600 Airmen from the 86th Airlift and 435th Air Ground Operations wings and members of the Bulgarian armed forces participated in a two-week flying training deployment called Thracian Summer, July 7 through 21. Thracian Summer was an opportunity for the militaries of both nations to train together and strengthen partnerships. Training in Bulgaria also gave members of Team Ramstein the opportunity to get training they don’t normally get in Germany. “Bulgarian airspace allows us to fly in various terrains at low altitudes and practice solid formation flying,” said Maj. Jon Cato, 37th Airlift Squadron pilot. “In other places, whether in Germany or in the U.S., there’s a lot of restrictions to the airspace that aren’t present here.” Training with the Bulgarians allowed both nations to fulfill training requirements that benefit each other. “This is the fifth time in the last four years we’ve been able to do this training. It’s very important training for us,” said Bulgarian Col. Iavor Mateev, Ministry of Defense paratrooper. “This training gives our special forces and conventional para-
Volume 37, number 29
86th VRS equipped, ready, Page 13
Sports guard clinic protects patients, Page 28
434
As of July 24
616