Kaiserslautern American, March 11, 2016

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HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?

March 11, 2016

Volume 40, number 10

Chievres: Separated but self-sufficient Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Sara Keller 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs CHIEVRES AIR BASE, Belgium — Standing at the end of the short runway, only chickens can be heard clucking from a family farm just a stone’s throw away. The morning air is dull and misty but not as foggy as yesterday, so if you squint your eyes just right, you can see clear across the small military base. Today’s mission has been canceled and there’s a charming calm to the base. Like an old man who’s lived through so much, there’s just no need for the rush anymore. Chievres Air Base is home to the 424th Air Base Squadron, a group of Airmen nestled in the heart of the Belgian countryside to provide airfield operations support for the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and NATO transient aircraft and distinguished visitors. The squadron is made up of approximately 70 Airmen and about 18 different career fields, with DV aircraft tran-

Staff Sgt. Nicole Walker, 424th Air Base Squadron air traffic controller, peers out the Chievres Air Base tower Feb. 26 on Chievres Air Base, Belgium. The 424th ABS operates the airfield and runways at Chievres while providing support to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, NATO transient aircraft and distinguished visitors.

siting through up to three times a week. The 424th ABS, like the 65th Air Base Group in Lajes Field, Azores, and the 496th Air Base Squadron in Moron, Spain, is a geographically separated unit that falls under the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein. The base is located about 20 min-

utes from SHAPE and almost four hours from Ramstein. The area, along with much of Belgium and Europe, is rich in history and certainly has a story to tell. The first airfield at Chievres was established during World War I and was rebuilt by Germans in 1940. It

was bombed more than 30 times during World War II before Allied forces occupied the base in October 1944. In 1967, Belgian authorities turned the base over to SHAPE, and it has been known as Chievres Air Base since. See CHIEVRES, Page 2

Taking care of our own with AFAF

March is Nutrition Awareness Month. Eat your fruits and veggies!

Unfortunately, he didn’t make it into the world,” Justice said. “The AFAF gave me a grant to pay for the entire funeral. The fact that we didn’t have to worry about where the money was going to come from allowed us to focus on our family’s emotional and mental health.” Airmen can donate to the AFAF at https://mypay. dfas.mil/mypay.aspx and retirees can donate at www.afassistancefund.org. These four Air Force affiliates have provided help to many families and Airmen in need, whether it was to cover a cost of a funeral or to help pay for college tuition. The AFAF is about Airmen helping other Airmen. This year, it’s not about Airmen giving more; it’s about more Airmen giving.

NEWS

Tip of the Week

FEATURES

Ramstein’s Air Force Assistance Fund is slated to accept donations that support Airmen and their dependents from March 21 through April 29. For 43 years, the AFAF has sustained four affiliate Air Force charities that give back: the Air Force Enlisted Village, the Air Force Village Charitable Foundation, the Air Force Aid Society and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation. According to Master Sgt. Antonio Lindsey, 86th Wing Staff Agency and 86th Comptroller Squadron first sergeant, this program is a great way to show generosity and take care of wingmen.

“We work day-in and day-out with each other, and through that daily interaction, we hear the myriad of struggles we all go through,” Lindsey said. “The AFAF, and other programs alike, are in place to take care of the personal concerns and needs of Airmen and their families so (they) can focus on the mission.” The charitable affiliates provide support for Airmen and their dependents in many ways, including those in emergencies and who need help paying for educational costs. One Airman who has received help is Master Sgt. Dwayne Justice, 86th Maintenance Group programs and resources section chief. “My former wife and I were going to have a baby.

LIFESTYLES

by Airman 1st Class Lane Plummer 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

NCO shares perspective during Women’s History Month, Page 7

266th FMSC competes in Best Warrior Competition, Page 12

Kaiserslautern offers spring market, Sunday shopping, Page 17


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