Multinational symposium demonstrates partnership capabilities

40 Pages·2017·15.49 MB·English

TIP OF THE WEEK NEWS FEATURES LIFESTYLES
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Disobeying this rule can result in high fi nes. Photo by for our times,’ Mattis says, Page 6 top human resources award, Page 9 vineyards, Page 16
January 26, 2018 | Volume 42, Number 4 Read the KA also online at www.KaiserslauternAmerican.com
Multinational symposium demonstrates partnership capabilities
by Crystal Young
86th Airlift Wing Public Aff airs
Members of the 10th Expeditionary
Aeromedical Evacuation Flight,
assigned to Ramstein’s 313th
Expeditionary Operations Support
Squadron, demonstrated their capa-
bilities Jan. 17 at U.S. Air Forces in
Europe’s fi rst multinational aeromedi-
cal evacuation symposium.
According to organizers, the sympo-
sium brought partner and allied nations
together to share tactics, techniques
and procedures to enhance aeromedical
evacuation interoperability throughout
the area of responsibility.
Th e 10th EAEF transports patients
with all levels of care needs across
Europe, Northern Africa and the
Middle East to Ramstein Air Base,
where they are then transferred to
either Landstuhl Regional Medical
Senior Airman Shelby Lucas, 10th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation fl ight critical care transport team respiratory therapist, explains the role of a critical
Center or the United States depending
care air transport team to Partnership Flight Symposium participants Jan. 17 on Ramstein Air Base. The CCATT’s mission is unique, as it’s staff ed to operate an
See SYMPOSIUM, Page 2 intensive care unit in an aircraft during fl ight. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Rachelle Coleman
NASA’s fl ying laboratory comes to Ramstein
Story and photo by
peratures are very cold,” said Bruce
Airman 1st Class Hamilton
Anderson, aerospace technologist,
86th Airlift Wing Public Aff airs
Science Mission Directorate at NASA
Langley Research Center. “Th e ice
Th e National Aeronautics and particles condense on soot that comes
Space Administration along with the out of engines.”
German Aerospace Center, or DLR, Th e contrails generated by aircraft
conducting biofuel testing over the are a concern to the environment
skies of Germany this month. because they trap heat; they make the
Temporarily stationed at Ramstein, surface of the earth warmer at night,
NASA Armstrong Flight Research said Anderson.
Center’s DC-8 jetliner was accom- “We’ve learned by burning cleaner
panied by the DLR’s Advanced fuels, we can reduce the cover of the
Technology Research Aircraft, an extensive clouds that form behind
A320, to study the eff ect of fuel com- aircraft,” Anderson said. “Th e com-
position on contrail formation. position of fuel kind of regulates the
Maintainers for the German Aerospace Center prepare the Advanced Technology Research Aircraft Airbus
“Contrails are ice clouds that amount of soot particles that form.”
A320, on Ramstein Air Base for a day of bio-fuel testing. The A320 is the latest and largest addition to the
form in the exhaust of aircraft fl ying
See LABORATORY, Page 3 DLR’s research fl eet.
at higher altitudes where the tem-
Page 2 KaiserslauternAmerican January 26, 2018

SYMPOSIUM, from Page 1
“Th e Zambian air force will receive
an airframe that is like the C-27 the
on their care needs. Romanians brought to Ramstein.
“During the Vietnam era, transport Th e Zambians were able to tour and
like this would have taken two to three become familiar with the C-27 for
days,” said Maj. Melissa Seacat, 10th the fi rst time because they attended
EAEF director of operations. “Now this event. If the Zambians choose to
aeromedical transport has advanced to use the techniques, tactics and proce-
the point that we were able to move a dures the Romanian’s use, then they
critical care patient from the point of should ideally be able to easily integrate
injury to the care they needed in the with U.S. and NATO medical opera-
United States in 30 hours. And the tions in the future with minimal or no
patient had three surgeries at diff er- investment by USAFE-AFAFRICA.”
ent points along the way. Th at is pretty Seacat emphasized that this event is
signifi cant.” essential to building partnerships and
Col. Ricardo Trimillos, U.S. Air learning from each other.
Forces in Europe International Aff airs “We work closely with all of these
Division chief, said symposiums like countries,” Seacat said. “With each
this one help all of the countries who mission, there are a multitude of things
attend. He said the Romanians have happening behind the scenes, so it is
Capt. Elena Vulgamott, 10th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight nurse, details the kits used by
worked for years with the Alabama good to be able talk to people from
critical care teams during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Partnership Flight Symposium Jan. 17
National Guard’s State Partnership these countries to get their ideas as
on Ramstein Air Base. The purpose of the symposium is to provide a forum to discuss Aeromedical Evacuation
Program and USAFE-AFAFRICA well.”
tactics, techniques and procedures while strengthening cooperation and enhancing relationships between
engagements to build an aeromedical Th e 313th Expeditionary Operations
African, European and U.S. military medical systems. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Rachelle Coleman
evacuation capability that integrates Support Squadron is assigned to the
with United States and NATO 721st Air Mobility Operations Group,
partners. those eff orts were evident this week, as AE capability that was propagated 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing
“Th e U.S. return on investment of demonstrated by the mature Romanian to 11 other countries,” Trimillos said. at Ramstein Air Base.
Staff Sgt. Geovanny Munoz, 10th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight aeromedical technician, explains what a critical care team does aboard a C-17 Globemaster III Jan. 17 on Ramstein Air Base. The tour was
part the of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Partnership Flight Symposium and gave military members from 13 nations an opportunity to discuss their medical support capacity which will enhance regional
cooperation and increase interoperability to support future humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Rachelle Coleman
MASTHEAD
Th e Kaiserslautern American is pub- not constitute endorsement by the DOD, the geographically separated units. missions to: [email protected]. Kaiserslautern American Layout
lished by AdvantiPro GmbH, Kaiserslautern, Department of the Air Force or the AdvantiPro AdvantiPro staff reserves the right to edit all Alexander Pütz
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with the Department of the Air Force or the advertised. www.FindItGuide.com. Sales Team
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tract with the 86th Airlift Wing. shall be made available for purchase, use or [email protected]
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Contents of the KA are not necessarily the other non merit factor of the purchaser, user for the following week’s edition
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of the Air Force. features, editorials and reports prepared by
Th e appearance of advertising in this pub- Department of Defense, Air Force and Army AdvantiPro staff encourages reader comments. Editor, Quality Control & Display ads Printer
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January 26, 2018 KaiserslauternAmerican Page 3

LABORATORY, from Page 1
Anderson said they can
decrease the amount of soot
particles by 50 to 90 percent,
depending on what fraction
of clean biofuels they mix
with the standard jet fuel.
The DLR’s D-ATRA
Airbus A-320 burned the stan-
dard jet fuel with a 50 per-
cent biofuel mix while NASA’s
DC-8 flying laboratory flew
behind it to measure the com-
position of its exhaust and the
number and size of the ice
particles that were left in the
contrails.
“We have three different
fuels and plan on doing two
flights per fuel,” Anderson said.
“We are also surveying
emissions from other air-
craft that are flying out of
Frankfurt. We have a total
of 50 flight hours. Ten hours
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center’s DC-8 jetliner on Ramstein Air Base waits to take flight over Europe. The DC-8 is used to gather data to support international
will be devoted to surveying
scientific experiments.
contrails, emissions and flight
corridors over Germany, while
the remaining 40 hours will tiple contaminants. The bio- instrumented, and we really here at Ramstein,” said Patrick “Everyone’s made themselves
be used in having the DC-8 fuels being tested are simpler like the security we get from le Clercq, department head at available and have shown a lot
fly behind the A-320 in most- compounds and burn much operating out of Ramstein.” German Aerospace Center, of interest in our work.”
ly reserved airspace.” cleaner, Anderson said. It was the DLR’s first time Institute of Combustion Overall, if this joint inter-
The biofuels as well as the “You can regrow the bio- working with the United Technology. national venture can help to
standard jet fuel were pro- fuel and form a close cycle, States Air Force. “It’s been very good reduce contrails and produce
vided by the DLR. where you’re not depleting “We’ve received amazing to work with the different less soot, it’ll be a significant
There’s a general push to resources or generating a lot support from the personnel people here,” le Clercq said. benefit to the environment.
reduce the environmental of carbon dioxide, plus you
impact of the energy sector, reduce soot emissions,” said
both in ground-base and air- Anderson.
borne transportation. These Ramstein provided NASA
areas create a lot of carbon and the DLR with supplies to
dioxide, which is a greenhouse maintain their planes, as well
gas, Anderson said. as a place to secure them and
“There’s an internation- a runway to take off from.
al interest to reduce carbon “Historically, we’ve had
dioxide emissions,” Anderson very good support conduct-
said. “The only way to do that ing investigations out of air
is to burn renewable fuels.” bases,” said Anderson. “This
Standard jet fuel has mul- aircraft that we have is highly
NASA maintainers check fuses on the Armstrong Flight Research Center’s DC-8 jetliner,
before takeoff. NASA travels with their maintainers to help support whatever the
required mission is.
Page 4 KaiserslauternAmerican January 26, 2018

KKMMCC BBLLOOTTTTEERR TAKE NOTE
COMPILED BY THE 569TH USFPS AND 86TH SFS
Photo by Schmidt_Alex / Shutterstock.com Photo by Respiro/ Shutterstock.com
JANUARY 16 New process, new hours Note for residents off base
The Ramstein Visitor Control Center recently German offi cials are asking American residents
8:14 a.m.: Fleeing the scene of a major traffi c collision with injuries in Landstuhl
changed processes on issuing passes. The VCC now living in the off -base communities to place their
11:44 a.m.: Larceny of unsecured private property in Otterberg
issues passes with a scannable barcode. These names on their doors and mailboxes to facilitate
5 p.m.: Theft of a motor vehicle in Ramstein-Miesenbach passes are valid for one to three days and may be mailmen to deliver offi cial mail. Especially at this
used at any KMC Air Force or KMC Army installation. time of year, offi cial institutions such as heating
Any request longer than three days will require or electricity companies send out end-of-year bills.
JANUARY 17
customers to receive a long-term pass. Customers Customers might get refunds or have to make
10:08 a.m.: Assault in Spain should understand that with the new process, additional payments.
1:45 p.m.: Major traffi c collision with injuries in Kaiserslautern waiting times may be longer than usual.
The VCC changed its operating hours. It opens Donations needed
2:43 p.m.: Theft from an unsecured motor vehicle in Landstuhl
at 6 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m., seven days a week. The German-American and International
4:30 p.m.: Fleeing the scene of a minor traffi c collision on Vogelweh Family Housing
After hours, customers may still sign in guests at the Women’s Club Kaiserslautern is asking for donations
4:38 p.m.: Major traffi c collision with injuries in Bruchmuehlbach-Miesau west gate. The sponsor must be registered in IACS for its annual Pfennig Bazaar March 2 to 4 in the
to sign in visitors. Furthermore, ID cardholders who event hall of the Kaiserslautern Gartenschau. The
forget their ID may also be searched in IACS and be club will accept donations such as clean clothes
JANUARY 18
granted base access. For more information, visit for men, women and children, household goods,
11:20 a.m.: Theft from an unsecured motor vehicle on Vogelweh Family Housing www.ramsteinvisitorcenter.com books, toys, small electrical appliances, collectibles,
bed linens and music media. Bulky items such as

New offi ce hours furniture, mattresses, skis and suitcases will not be
JANUARY 19
Customer hours of the Furnishings accepted. Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m.
8:15 p.m.: House break-in in Ramstein-Miesenbach Management Section changed as follows: to noon Feb. 3 at Hackstrasse 4 in Kaiserslautern.
7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, Collecting of goods in the Gartenschau event hall
and 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fridays. will begin Feb. 24. For more information, call Gisela
JANUARY 20
Kau at 0171-9386666.
2:18 p.m.: Domestic assault in Kaiserslautern German-American Stammtisch in Ramstein
The state initiative “Welcome to Rheinland- Fasching parade
JANUARY 21 Pfalz!” will hold its next monthly German- The Ramstein-Miesenbach Carnival Association
American Stammtisch at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Bruchkatze is looking for American bands, dancers,
3:05 a.m.: Drunken operation of a vehicle in Kaiserslautern
Paradox restaurant in Ramstein-Miesenbach. The cheerleaders, school classes, scouts and individuals
3:26 a.m.: Drunken operation of a vehicle in Kaiserslautern Stammtisch aims to facilitate the local German- in unique costumes who would like to participate in
American exchange and provides an opportunity the Fasching parade Feb. 13. The parade will begin
for Americans and locals to meet and get to know at 2 p.m. and last for about 1.5 hours. For more
Editor’s note: Th e purpose of the weekly blotter is to deliver a chronological listing of criminal activ-
each other. The meeting is family friendly. For information and to register, call the 86th Airlift
ity in the KMC. Th e information contained in the blotter is not indicative of crime trends or the
details, email [email protected] Wing Host Nation Offi ce at 480-2094 or 06371-47-
targeting of service members or their dependents. Th e location and nature of the entries is dependent
or call 0631-366-1017. 2094, or email at [email protected].
upon where the crime was reported and not necessarily where the crime took place.
SAFETY CORNER
Use Turn Signals
While you can’t depend on others always signaling their intentions when
driving, you can certainly control if you use your signals or not. Always
use your turn signals in advance of making a lane change, turning, and in
traffi c circles.
Photo by Joerg Huettenhoelscher / Shutterstock.com
January 26, 2018 KaiserslauternAmerican Page 5

3rd AF commander attends inaugural French C-130J ceremony
Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, 3rd Air Force commander, converses with French air force leaders after the Inauguration of the C-130J Super Hercules to the French Air Force transport fleet, Jan. 15 in Orleans, France. The acquisition
of the C-130J was done in partnership with the German Air Force. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Rachelle Coleman
Page 6 KaiserslauternAmerican January 26, 2018

National defense strategy a ‘Good fit for our times,’ Mattis says
by Jim Garamone
ability matter,” the secretary said. “The
Department of Defense News,
department will transition to a culture of
Defense Media Activity
performance and affordability that oper-
ates at the speed of relevance. Success
WASHINGTON —
The new National does not go to the country that develops
Defense Strategy is a good fit for the a new technology first but rather to the
times, emphasizing the return of great one that better integrates it and more
power rivalry yet still addressing other swiftly adapts its way of fighting.”
threats that abound in the world today, Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis said. M. Shanahan is already leading this
The secretary unveiled the strategy at effort. He expects it to leverage the
the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced scale of operations, driving better deals
International Studies and stressed that for equipping troops and modernizing
that the strategy is not merely a defense systems.
strategy but an American strategy. The This strategy means nothing if the
school is a division of the Johns Hopkins resources are not in place, Mattis said.
University based in Washington. “No strategy can long survive with-
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis announces the new National Defense Strategy Jan. 19 at the Paul
The strategy — the first new strategy out necessary funding and the stable,
H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, a division of the Johns Hopkins University based in
in a decade — is based on the National predictable budgets required to defend
Washington. Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Kathryn E. Holm
Security Strategy President Donald J. America in the modern age,” he said.
Trump announced in December. “Failure to modernize our military risks
sionist powers as different as China and building new ones. leaving us with a force that could domi-
New strategy reclaims an era of
Russia are from each other; nations that “At the same time, we’ll reform our nate the last war but be irrelevant to
strategic purpose’
do seek to create a world consistent department’s business practices for per- tomorrow’s security.”
“Today, America’s military reclaims with their authoritarian models, pursu- formance and affordability,” the secre-
Continuing resolutions harm
an era of strategic purpose, and we’re ing veto authority over other nations’ tary said.
military readiness
alert to the realities of a changing economic, diplomatic and security deci- An enemy will attack any perceived
world and attentive to the need to sions,” he said. weakness, Mattis said. The American Mattis added, “Let me be clear. As
protect our values and the countries The threat from rogue regimes such military, therefore, must be able to fight hard as the last 16 years have been on
that stand with us,” the secretary said. as North Korea and Iran persist. And across the spectrum of conflict. our military, no enemy in the field has
“America’s military protects our way even though ISIS’s physical caliphate “This means that the size and the done more to harm the readiness of the
of life, and I want to point out it also is no more, the group — and other composition of our force matters,” he U.S. military than the combined impact
protects a realm of ideas. It’s not just extremist organizations — continues to said. “The nation must field sufficient of the Budget Control Act’s defense
about protecting geography. This is a sow hatred. capable forces to deter conflict. And if spending cuts, worsened … by us oper-
defense strategy that will guide our “In this time of change, our mili- deterrence fails, we must win.” ating, nine of the last 10 years, under
efforts in all realms.” tary is still strong, yet our competi- Mattis added, “To those who would continuing resolutions, wasting copious
Threats have changed since the last tive edge has eroded in every domain threaten America’s experiment in amounts of precious taxpayer dollars.”
strategy. There is increasing global of warfare: air, land, sea, space and democracy, they must know if you chal- The military continues to work
volatility and uncertainty with chal- cyberspace, and it is continuing to lenge us, it will be your longest and your tirelessly to accomplish the mission
lenges from Russia and China coming erode,” the secretary said. worst day. Work with our diplomats. with now inadequate and misaligned
to the fore. You don’t want to fight the Department resources simply because the Congress
‘Our military will win, should diplomacy fail’
“Though we will continue to prose- of Defense.” cannot maintain regular order, Mattis
cute the campaign against terrorists that Sixteen years of war, rapid technolog- Alliances are key to American suc- said.
we are engaged in today, but great power ical change, defense spending caps and cess, the secretary said. “That we have performed well is a
competition, not terrorism, is now the seemingly continuous continuing reso- “In my past, I fought many times, and credit to our wonderful and loyal troops,
primary focus of U.S. national security,” lutions “have created an overstretched never did I fight in a solely American but loyalty must be a two-way street,”
the secretary said. and under-resourced military,” he said. formation,” Mattis said. “It was always he said. “We expect the magnificent
The strategy will provide the “Our military’s role is to keep the peace; alongside foreign troops.” men and women of our military to
American people the military required to keep the peace for one more year, one The American military must be be faithful in their service, even when
“to protect our way of life, stand with more month, one more week, one more designed, trained and ready to fight going in harm’s way. We must remain
our allies and live up to our responsibil- day; to ensure our diplomats who are alongside allies, he added. faithful to those who voluntarily sign a
ity to pass intact to the next generation working to solve problems do so from “History proves that nations with blank check, payable to the American
those freedoms that all of us enjoy here a position of strength and giving allies allies thrive, an approach to security and people with their lives.”
today,” Mattis said. confidence in us. This confidence is prosperity that has served the United Under the Constitution, it is
The strategy expands the U.S. mili- underpinned by the assurance that our States well in keeping peace and win- Congress that has the authority to raise
tary’s competitive space, prioritizes pre- military will win, should diplomacy fail.” ning war,” Mattis said. “Working by, armies and navies, Mattis said.
paredness for war, provides clear direc- Mattis said the supremacy of with and through allies who carry their “Yet as I stand here this morning,
tion for significant change at the speed American military is not preordained. equitable share allows us to amass the watching the news, as we all are, from
of relevance and builds a more lethal “It is incumbent upon us to field greatest possible strength.” Capitol Hill, we’re on the verge of a
force to compete strategically. a more lethal force if our nation is to government shutdown or, at best, yet
Reforming DOD’s business practices
retain the ability to defend ourselves and another debilitating continuing resolu-
Tough choices
what we stand for,” Mattis said. “The The third line of effort, he said, will tion,” he said. “We need Congress back
In forming the strategy, officials had defense strategy’s three primary lines of be the foundation for the U.S. competi- in the driver’s seat of budget decisions,
to make tough choices, “and we made effort will restore our comparative mili- tive edge: reforming the business prac- not in the spectator seat of Budget
them based upon a fundamental pre- tary advantage.” tices of the department. Control Acts’ indiscriminate and auto-
cept, namely that America can afford The strategy commits the depart- “We are going to have to be good matic cuts. We need a budget, and we
survival,” Mattis said. ment to build a more lethal joint force. It stewards of the tax dollars allocated to need budget predictability if we’re to
“We face growing threats from revi- calls for strengthening old alliances and us, and that means results and account- sustain our military’s primacy.”
January 26, 2018 KaiserslauternAmerican Page 7
Page 8 KaiserslauternAmerican January 26, 2018

Garrison implements suicide prevention initiative
by Mary Ann Davis
complete the two-day Applied Suicide dling these difficult situations where
U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Installation
Intervention Skills Training,” Chandler someone is having thoughts of suicide.”
Management Command Directorate
explained. “Keep Safe Connection Chandler’s goal is to have multiple
Sites support individuals with sui- stations and sites across the garrison to
When you or someone you know cidal thoughts and connects them to support those who are at risk of suicide.
demonstrates suicidal ideations, know- resources to keep them safe. To become “The ASIST and safeTALK pro-
ing where to turn is critical. That’s why a part of a Keep Safe Connection Site grams offer caregivers so many tools to
the U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland- program, individuals must complete support someone in crisis. Currently,
Pfalz Suicide Prevention Program the four-hour safeTALK session.” we trained more than 300 garrison
launched the Suicide First-Aid Station According to LivingWorks Edu- community members in these pro-
and Keep Safe initiative. cation, Applied Suicide Intervention grams,” he said. “The great thing is that
The program kicked off in November Skills Training is an interactive work- you do not need any prior training to
and trains suicide prevention gatekeep- shop in suicide first-aid, teaching par- attend these workshops. At each work-
U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Suicide
ers and places signs outside of their ticipants to recognize when someone shop that I’ve taught, at least one or
Prevention Program Manager, Yancy Chandler, plants
work locations so people in need of may be at risk of suicide and work with two participants have said they wished
a sign in front of his work center to inform the com-
assistance can find them immediately. them to create a plan that will sup- they had this training in the past.”
munity that a trained suicide prevention individual is
“We began the program after realizing port their immediate safety. Although The two courses prepare caregivers
available to provide assistance if needed. The Suicide
how difficult it was to locate the train- ASIST is widely used by healthcare to be aware and to speak openly and
First-Aid Station and Keep Safe initiative trains volun-
ees after they finished the courses,” said providers, it can be learned and used comfortably about the topic of suicide,
teers and provides signage so people in need can find
Yancy Chandler, U.S. Army Garrison by anyone. because no one knows when it may be
help immediately. Photo by Mary Ann Davis
Rheinland-Pfalz Suicide Prevention SafeTALK helps participants needed, Baral said.
Program manager. “As a trainer, I knew become alert to suicide. Suicide-alert “I had a situation where a participant
what organizations had trained person- people are better prepared to connect Program coordinator with the in one of my substance abuse classes
nel, but I didn’t know their exact loca- those with thoughts of suicide with Army Substance Abuse Program at was struggling. My gut instinct told
tions. And if it was difficult for me to life-affirming help. Over the course of Baumholder, said she attended both me something was out of sorts when
find them, then it may be difficult for their training, safeTALK participants courses because she is very passionate the participant asked if he could speak
those who had thoughts of suicide to find will learn to: about helping Soldiers, family mem- with me after class. Upon listening to
trained caregivers as well.” • Notice and respond to situations bers and civilians, and the ASIST the Soldier’s story, I learned that he had
The initiative supports the garrison where suicide thoughts may be training provided valuable tools to pos- thoughts of suicide and needed some-
commander’s primary concern of tak- present itively influence them. one to hear his story,” she explained.
ing care of Soldiers, civilians and fami- • Recognize that invitations for help “This training was by far one of the “Based on my ASIST training, I knew
lies, Chandler said, and offers addition- are often overlooked most rigorous trainings I have received. exactly how to respond and provided a
al assistance for community members • Move beyond the common The instructors expected quality work listening ear as the Soldier explained
that may be going through a crisis. By tendency to miss, dismiss, and avoid from the trainer candidates and, as a his difficult situation. ASIST provides
providing this additional layer of sup- suicide, result, there were a lot of late night a structured framework, which can be
port, the garrison can keep community • Apply the TALK steps: tell, ask, study sessions,” she said. “This ben- followed to keep the person safe for
members mission ready and focused on listen, keep safe efited us since we became familiar with now. My training kicked in, and I was
the tasks at hand. • Know community resources and the material and more comfortable able to provide the necessary resources
“The role of Suicide First-Aid how to connect someone with in providing this meaningful training by connecting the Soldier to the appro-
Stations is to support individuals hav- thoughts of suicide to them for to participants. I am passionate about priate resources.”
ing suicidal thoughts and create a ‘stay- further help the ASIST program and how it keeps
safe-for-now plan’ until further help people with thoughts of suicide safe for To learn more or sign up for ASIST or
can be provided. To become a Suicide Heather Baral, a Prevention coor- now, and it’s reassuring to know that safeTALK training, call Chandler at
First-Aid Station, individuals must dinator and Employee Assistance my training has prepared me for han- 493-4901 or 0631-3406-4901.
SafeTALK gatekeepers are trained to become alert to suicidal behaviors. Suicide-alert people are better pre-
pared to connect those with thoughts of suicide with life-affirming help. SafeTALK signs are posted outside Volunteers complete two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainaing to help those in need. ASIST signs are
garrison work centers of trained suicide prevention gatekeepers. Courtesy Graphic posted outside garrison work centers of trained suicide prevention gatekeepers. Courtesy Graphic
January 26, 2018 KaiserslauternAmerican Page 9

Garrison employee earns USAREUR’s top human resources award
by U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz
Public Affairs Office
A U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-
Pfalz civilian employee was named
the U.S. Army Europe’s top civilian
human resources specialist of the year.
Daniel Washington Jr., with the
garrison’s Directorate of Human
Resources in Baumholder recent-
ly received the 2017 Frederick E.
Vollrath Civilian of the Year (GS-9
and Below).
Washington, who worked in the
military human resources field for 14
of his 19 years of civil service, said he
enjoyed his job because he saw “the
instant results from the service I pro-
vide compared to long-term projects
and planning. In this job, thank yous
come quickly and anxieties are few.”
Washington performed a variety of
duties to earn the award.
“I try to be a valuable team mem-
ber of highly contributing volunteers,
retirees and co-workers in retiree ser-
Daniel Washington Jr., human resources specialist with U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz in Baumholder, was recently named the 2017 Frederick E. Vollrath
vices, casualty management, passport
Civilian of the Year (GS-9 and Below). Washington performed several duties to include retiree services, casualty management, passport services and personnel
services and personnel actions,” he
actions to earn the award. Photo by Bernd Mai (IMCOM)
explained.
His critical involvement in the joint
Kaiserslautern Military Community rary duty, permanent change of station tions were properly processed. He learned and hard work, Washington’s
Retirement Services Council and and individual travel requirements. He also revalidated the support provided recognition isn’t a surprise, said his
86th Airlift Wing Retiree Activities also provided many same-day issued by Survivor Outreach Services within supervisor, James Morris, Baumholder
Office’s tri-monthly “Surviving passports for emergency travel. the USAG RP area of responsibility. Central Processing Facility manager.
Spouse Workshop” and “Retirees “It was tough to tackle complex Washington credits many mentors “Mr. Washington sets the stan-
Helping Retirees” programs were rec- military and civilian emergency pass- who molded him into the person he dard across the board and makes
ognized by the Air Force Personnel port and visa travel needs, but it is today. everyone around him better,” Morris
—
Center’s Retirement Services office was great knowing that I brought “I can name plenty of mentors, said. “He’s a great team player like
as a best practice. In this capacity, he and kept families together while sav- from my mother and father to rela- a point guard that makes everyone
also served as a volunteer briefer and ing money for them,” he said. “This tives to all that have set great exam- around him great.”
counselor at the weekend workshops, was my routine responsibility, and I ples and bad examples for me,” he The award was named after retired
providing instruction to military retir- placed no great weight on any of my said. One mentor he remembered in Lt. Gen. Frederick E. Vollrath and
ees and their spouses on reporting accomplishments.” particular was his eighth grade band developed to recognize human
a casualty and collecting associated Lastly, serving as Baumholder’s teacher, Mr. Hughes, who gave him resource personnel for their quality
documents for benefits processing. casualty management officer, a “C” for not showing up to a band service and leadership. Vollrath was
Washington also shared his expert Washington managed several cases performance. a 45-year professional in the human
knowledge of passport and visa pro- dealing with fatalities and serious- “That taught me reliability and resources field and the second adju-
cesses to assist customers with obtain- ly injured individuals and ensured availability,” he said. tant general officer to be promoted to
ing documentation quickly for tempo- funeral honors and benefits applica- With all of his experience, lessons lieutenant general.
Page 10 KaiserslauternAmerican January 26, 2018

435th: Constructing, catching, training to accomplish the mission
by Senior Airman Devin M. Rumbaugh
nel how to build bases and teach European Command, U.S. Africa dle our own missions, except when
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
contingency specific items for the Command and U.S. Air Force we need engineering assistance.”
Airman’s specific job,” Lazo said. Central Command,” said Tech. Sgt The 435th CTS military con-
Deep in the woods, outside the The training taught by the flight is James Dotson, NCO in charge of struction flight enables units around
confines of Ramstein Air Base, you not just technical but includes team command aircraft arresting systems Europe with the capability to build
may run into the 435th Construction building. depot. horizontal structures like concrete
and Training Squadron compound, “Sometimes we have to help each The 10-year overhaul consists of foundations and vertical structures
where three sections train and pre- other out to get something done,” receiving aircraft arresting system like schools.
pare to send Airmen on missions at a Lazo said. “As HVAC, I can’t equipment that is past the The MCF has approximately 20
moment’s notice. get my air conditioners to 10-year limit of use. The active-duty Air Force members who
The 435th CTS consists of the work without power pro- Airmen tear equipment span a wide range of civil-engineer-
military construction flight, training duction or the electricians. down to every last nut based career fields.
flight and command aircraft arrest- It is a collective effort to and bolt, recondition reus- “As the MCF, we are the only
ing systems depot. While the flights try to get the base up and able parts and reconstruct Red Horse-type unit in Europe.
are responsible for different missions, operational. That’s what we the systems before send- We support U.S. AFRICOM, U.S.
they work together to accomplish hit on throughout the week ing them out to the unit that EUCOM and U.S. AFCENT when
the 435th’s overarching mission, “To of training.” originally sent it in. they need us,” said Tech. Sgt Eric
construct, catch, and train.” The instructors assigned to the “The other half is our capability Dickson, 435th CTS MCF electrical
“We teach Airmen from United flights are also subject matter experts to be sent to support fighter aircraft systems craftsman. “We also support
States Air Forces in Europe, Air when it comes to contingency plan- flying missions, at a moment’s notice, the contingency response group and
National Guard members and mem- ning. They are the focal point for on any number of missions a year,” humanitarian missions.”
bers of NATO partner nations,” said contingency items and assistance Dotson said. “We provide support Although the flights don’t directly
Tech. Sgt. Daren Lazo, 435th CTS before going up to Air Force. across 92 countries.” work together on missions, they sup-
training flight heating, ventilation The mission of the 435th CTS The 435th CTS command aircraft port each other through separate
and air conditioning noncommis- is unique to all installations across arresting system depot is the only missions and are able to accomplish
sioned officer in charge. “Our mission the Air Force. The command aircraft fully military flight in the Air Force the 435th CTS’ overarching mission.
is to conduct silver flag courses and arresting systems depot, within the that specializes in aircraft arresting “When we go out there, we work
mission-essential training courses.” CTS fulfills the “catch” portion of systems. as a team,” Dickson said. “We help
The Silver Flag training course is the 435th’s mission statement. “We frequently contact the mili- each other. That’s how we work. That
10 days of job-specific training for 16 “Half of our mission is the tary construction flight and training is the unique thing about this job.
specialties. 10-year overhaul of aircraft arrest- flight for engineering assistance dur- That is the most important thing we
“We teach civil engineer person- ing systems across USAFE, U.S. ing missions,” Dotson said. “We han- do. We all love what we do.”