September 30, 2016
HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
Volume 40, number 39
Ramstein welcomes new apprentices Story and photo by Tech Sgt. Sara Keller 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Ramstein welcomed 21 new local national apprentices after being hired through the installation’s recently revived apprenticeship program Sept. 16. The 86th Airlift Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Richard G. Moore Jr., welcomed the apprentices for the start of their vocational training. “This program is a huge opportunity for our community,” Moore said. “You play a vital role in Ramstein’s long-term success, and we are honored to have you on the team.” Although more than 350 local nationals applied to the apprenticeship program, only 21 were chosen. “I saw the statistics on how many people applied versus how many were chosen, and it is truly impressive the folks we were able to gain,” Moore said to the new apprentices. “We are so excited to have you here. You have not just been hired to do a job, but you have joined a team and a family.”
Brig. Gen. Richard G. Moore Jr., 86th Airlift Wing commander, speaks to a group of local national employees and 21 new apprentices who were hired through Ramstein’s recently revived apprenticeship program Sept. 16 on Ramstein. Ramstein’s apprenticeship program mirrors the German vocational system and provides practical hands-on skills as well as classroom education for young adults.
Ramstein’s apprenticeship program is designed to mirror the German vocational system and provides practical hands-on skills as
well as classroom education for young adults. “I am so proud to be able to work at Ramstein,” said Natasha
Bengoua, an apprentice chosen to be an office clerk at the 86th Force See apprenticeS, page 2
Germany celebrates Unification Day Monday Germany will observe Unification Day Monday. Each year, on Oct. 3, stores, banks and official institutions are closed since it is a legal holiday throughout Germany. The former German Democratic Republic — East Germany — and the Federal Republic of Germany — West Germany — were officially reunited Oct. 3, 1990. The process of reunification started
in 1989. During September and October of that year, East Germans demonstrated for democratic reforms and the right to travel to Dresden, Leipzig, Halle, Schwerin and other towns. Chief of State Erich Honecker was dismissed from his top position Oct. 18, 1989, and the new political office announced the opening of the borders to the Federal Republic of Germany and the border gates along the Berlin wall the night of Nov. 9. Over the next three days, more than 3 million East Germans crossed the
border into West Germany just to celebrate, sightsee and purchase goods, which they were not able to obtain in the east. The wall, a symbol of the Cold War for 28 years, was torn down during the following weeks and months, and pieces were sold as souvenirs. East Germany’s first free elections in 40 years were held March 18, 1990, and citizens elected a new government. Basic changes concerning the country’s economy, currency, social laws and jurisdiction were established by state
to our W
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contracts May 18 and Aug. 31. Finally, on Oct. 3, 1990, the German Democratic Republic ceased to exist. After 40 years it vanished from the world’s political map. Berlin was chosen as the new capital city of unified Germany. The celebrations in Berlin the night of Oct. 2 included a giant fireworks display, hundreds of thousands of people dancing in the streets and drinking champagne, and the raising of the national flag on the former East German parliament building.
LIFESTYLES
by Petra Lessoing 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Preventing mishaps through FOD walk, Page 3
Ramstein barber reflects on 35 years, Page 9
Farmers market offers regional products, Page 16