March 27, 2015
Kaiserslautern American
Page 1
HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
March 27, 2015
Volume 39, number 12
AGOW refines new mission skillset by Staff Sgt. Kris Levasseur 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs CAMPIA TURZII, Romania — Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing departed March 10 from Ramstein for what seemed like any other training mission; how-
ever, this mission, known as Dacian Warhawk, is unlike any other in which they have participated. During the bilateral mission at Campia Turzii, Romania, the 435th AGOW was afforded the opportunity to execute four of their distinct mission sets, which makes the wing unlike any other. These mission
sets include expeditionary airfields on demand, multi-theater sustainment and support, joint airpower integration and building partnership capacity. Prior to Dacian Warhawk, these capabilities were executed individually as the wing’s groups performed their core missions. Dacian Warhawk became a way for the AGOW units
Photo by Staff Sgt. Armando A. Schwier-Morales
Senior Airman David Vogt, 1st Combat Communications Squadron radio frequency transmission technician, ensures proper connection for the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing March 16 at Campia Turzii, Romania. The 435th AGOW participated in Dacian Warhawk, which featured U.S. and Romanian airmen working side-by-side to establish a base and conduct ground and air operations with NATO partners.
to come together and begin forming a plan to streamline these capabilities efficiently. Beyond incorporating the majority of the AGOW mission sets, Dacian Warhawk also tested one of the wing’s expeditionary capabilities in a new way. When providing expeditionary support, the 435th AGOW travels to austere locations to establish an air base, or airfield, so aircraft can safely land and deliver follow-on capabilities. The mission is usually shortterm and the wing hands over control to the operational forces on arrival. However, due to the nature of Dacian Warhawk, the support mission continued throughout the nearly three-weeklong event. Their goal is to be able to perform these mission sets as turn-key operations to provide the best possible operational support to fighter units. “We have a tremendous amount of capabilities within the 435th AGOW, within the 435th Air and Space Communications Group, 4th Air Support Operations Group and the 435th Contingency Response Group, but we’ve never operated like this before,” said Col. Steven Edwards, 435th Contingency Response Group See AGOW, Page 2
No mission pause with Paws Abroad When military commitments arise, it can be stressful making sure personal responsibilities are taken care of. When it comes to four-legged family members,
furry or scaly, having the best possible care at little or no cost can sometimes be nearly impossible to find. Helping take-in military members’ fur babies, 17 current volunteer families and Department of Defense members focus on the commitments they made when they raised their right hand.
Though they may have an obligation to their country, the affiliates of the non-profit organization Paws Abroad, said they also have an obligation to their pets. “I knew the military lifestyle would be challenging when I joined and brought my dog Keira with me,” said Capt. Annaleis Hunter,
NEWS
Most of Europe will move its clocks forward by one hour when daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 29. In Germany, daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. (set clocks to 3 a.m.).
FEATURES
Daylight saving time begins
founder of Paws Abroad. “I didn’t want those challenges to keep me from serving my country or force me to question whether or not I could keep her, and I don’t want any service members to have to face that same agonizing question.” Paws Abroad has shown to be a success through positive
Customer support sponsors Ramstein, Page 10
experiences and is well supported by volunteers, though it is still a new organization that began in November 2014. “Recently, we had someone come in who couldn’t get their pet into (temporary living),” said Senior Master Sgt. Cathlyn Clark, treasurer See PAWS, Page 6
LIFESTYLES
by Airman 1st Class Larissa Greatwood 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PAO retires after 37 years, Page 15
Germans observe Easter traditions, Page 16