Kaiserslautern American - June 13, 2014

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HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?

June 13, 2014

Volume 38, number 23

Photo by Staff Sgt. Sara Keller

D-Day airdrop remembered, relived Paratroopers jump onto the Iron Mike drop zone June 8 in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France. More than 600 U.S., German, Dutch and French service members jumped to honor the paratroopers who jumped into Normandy on D-Day. The event was one of several commemorations of the 70th anniversary of D-Day operations conducted by Allied forces during World War II June 5 to 6, 1944. More than 650 U.S. military personnel have joined troops from several NATO nations to participate in ceremonies to honor the events at the invitation of the French government.

358th Fighter Group memorialized at 70th D-Day anniversary U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick X. Mordente, 86th Airlift Wing commander, speaks with Odette Lonckheere and her son Patrick, Coigny residents, June 7 at Franquetot Castle. Odette shared her story of how she chose to join the French army alongside her husband during World War II.

by 1st Lt. Marie Denson U.S. Air Force in Europe and Air Forces Africa Public Affairs COIGNY, France — Brig. Gen. Patrick X. Mordente, 86th Airlift Wing commander, and Denis Lebarbier, mayor of Coigny, France, stood together June 7 to unveil a

Photo by Staff Sgt. Sara Keller

memorial plaque dedicated to the courage and fortitude of the veterans of the 358th Fighter Group who participated in D-Day operations 70 years ago. In his remarks to the gathered veterans and visitors, Mordente said the memorial was placed here to remind successive generations of the

enormous cost of freedom. “We build these memorials so that our children and grandchildren will never forget the stories of those who fought here,” Mordente said. “So that as the passage of time thins the ranks, it will never dim the glory of the See ANNIVERSARY, Page 3

FEATURES

Vet honors fallen comrade in France, Page 6

NEWS

NEWS

This is the time for thunderstorms in Europe. Run to a safe building or vehicle when you first hear thunder or see lightning. Stay indoors until the storm passes and never shelter under trees.

FEATURES

Tip of the Week

PAX Airmen make travel easy, Page 10

Landing in Normandy, Pages 20 & 21


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