Kaiserslautern American, March 31, 2017

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HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?

March 31, 2017

Volume 41, number 13

Ramstein Airmen build relations with Bulgarian military Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Nesha Humes 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

PLOVDIV, Bulgaria — Trust is an essential element in building any team; similar to one gear efficiently turning in a large machine, it greatly affects the speed, torque and direction of its power source. Therefore, building up a team’s trust is critical in completing a mission proficiently and safely. During Exercise Thracian Spring 17, Ramstein Airmen and Bulgaria’s military set out to do just this in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, March 14 to 23. Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing, 37th Airlift Squadron and 435th Contingency Response Group partnered with their NATO ally on multiple operations during the two-week training to hone operational and tactical skills while improving our interoperability. Col. Yordan Yordanov, Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Bulgaria, deputy director of joint facilities and coordination directorate said he’s been See RELATIONS, Page 3

Bulgarian paratroopers wait to load two Super Hercules C-130Js and an Alenia C-27J Spartan during Exercise Thracian Spring 17 March 15 over Plovdiv Regional Airport, Bulgaria. The 37th Airlift Squardon air crew and 435th Contingency Response Group jump masters from Ramstein worked directly with the paratroopers to conduct tactical flight training. The two-week combined training with Bulgaria’s military aims to facilitate overall relations and build their nations’ joint military capabilities.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and the 86 Airlift Wing SAPR office said sexual assault has a significant impact on the military community at large. One Ramstein Airman stepped forward to tell her story. To maintain her privacy, we have agreed to refer to her as Airman “Z.” Independence Day weekend 2013, Osan Air Base, Korea, should have been a great chance for Airman “Z” to learn about the operational Air

Force. Her first weekend, at her first duty station, should have been where she experienced the trust and integrity service members aspire to uphold. Instead, her first weekend, at her first duty station, she was sexually assaulted. “Z” was assaulted in a beach hut early morning July 7, by an Army Soldier she recently met. Monday morning, she went to the First Term Airman’s Center. “I went to FTAC in the morning and you sit through all the briefings and the SAPR (office) comes and briefs you,” she said. “It was a bless-

ing and a curse all at the same time.” As a new Airman she sat through all of the day’s briefings with the knowledge of her assault weighing her down heavily. “I made it through Monday of FTAC but after that I knew I needed to do something,” she explained. “Z” knew she needed to speak to someone about what happened to her. She immediately went to the chaplain after FTAC. “I knew that chaplains are 100 percent confidential,” she said. Neither a chaplain, nor a chaplain’s assistant may divulge any informa-

NEWS

by Senior Airman Jonathan Bass 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

NEWS

Airman begins healing through support

It’s getting warmer now every week. When spending time outside, remember to stay hydrated.

1 ACOS pushes to challenge themselves, Page 6

See HEALING, Page 3

LIFESTYLES

Tip of the Week

tion a service member discusses with them without the member’s written consent. “(The chaplain) was great,” she said. “He just listened to me. That put into perspective that something had happened to me; that I knew something was wrong.” After that meeting, “Z” decided to visit the SAPR office who, along with victim advocates, also have confidentiality. When choosing to report overseas, Department of Defense cardholders

EOD returns to Silver Flag, Page 10

Park in Freisen sponsors medieval market, Page 14


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