HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
October 14, 2016
Volume 40, number 41
Ramstein Airmen: Detail oriented, disaster prepared Story and photos by Senior Airman Nesha Humes 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Day-to-day life is full of revelations, some good and others bad. When bad situations arise, an Airman’s attention to detail on the ground is imperative to save a life in the air. The 86th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment Airmen support the 76th Airlift Squadron and the 37th Airlift Squadron aircrew with up-keeping, testing, inspecting and educating aircrew members on all flight equipment. They ensure the aircrew’s gear is fully operational for everyday and emergency conditions. “Aircrew members have to trust that in case they need to bail out, the equipment works.” said Airman 1st Class Yasmine Mills, 86th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment apprentice. “If an emergency ever happens, they pretty much put their life in our hands.” The AFE Airmen manage a variety of equipment to include radios, parachutes, life preserves, survival kits, See PREPARED, Page 2
Senior Airman Gregory Solano, 86th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman, inspects a life vest onboard a C-130J Super Hercules Sept. 20 on Ramstein. AFE Airmen perform mission termination inspections on aircraft daily with more thorough inspections for tears every 30 days.
Exercise your right to vote responsibly
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See Page 25
still a violation under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The best way to avoid any potential pitfall is to put a disclaimer at the end of the post stating that the views and opinions expressed are those of an individual and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Air Force, Cole said. Airmen should remember that as a military member — in and out of uniform — they are a representative of the
21 OWS watches skies, Page 3
See VOTING, Page 3
LIFESTYLES
IVEAWAY! G A K T A E R THE G
of administrative law. “It’s important to know what your rights are, but also what your restrictions are.” Cole gave the example of someone posting on their Facebook page about their opinion on a presidential candidate. Airmen are within their rights to say they support a candidate, however, they cannot attempt to motivate others to vote for their candidate. Even if an Airmen doesn’t use their rank or status as a military member to attract voters to their candidate, attempting to entice voters to a specific candidate is
NEWS
The commercials are on during every break in broadcasting. Social media sites are flooded with advertisements and claims from every political source imaginable. Friends, family and even complete strangers argue in the comment sections. In case you weren’t aware, it’s an election year. How does a military member negotiate this treacherous path? Easy, follow
the Department of Defense guidelines on politics and voting found in DOD directive 1344.10, “Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces” and Air Force Instruction 51-902, “Political Activities by Members of the U.S. Air Force.” “In today’s age, especially with social media, if you’re saying things online or endorsing someone or doing something in a way that’s not in line with the AFI, you could potentially get yourself in trouble,” said Capt. Matthew Cole, 86th Airlift Wing chief
FEATURES
by Senior Airman Jonathan Bass 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
KMC takes care of retirees, Page 8
Carnival starts today in Kaiserslautern, Page 14