Kaiserslautern American, Dec. 19, 2014

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HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?

December 19, 2014

Volume 38, number 50

Firefighters host course for Lithuanians Story and photo by Senior Airman Jonathan Stefanko 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

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irefighters from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing’s Contingency Response Group provided a familiarization course to 12 Lithuanian airmen Dec. 4 on Ramstein. The course started off with a classroom discussion on U.S. search and rescue procedures and techniques and ended with a demonstration from the Lithuanian firefighters, showcasing what they had learned. “Attending these courses is great, because it provides us an opportunity to improve on our own techniques,” said Capt. Mykolas Liugas, Lithuanian air force pilot. “After learning what we can here, we will take that knowledge back to our country and compare it to what we do so we can increase our response capabilities.” While the class focused on improving interoperability between the two nations, it Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing’s Contingency Response Group talk about where to place the mannequins for the next search and rescue demonstration Dec. 4 on Ramstein.

See firefighter, Page 6

SACEUR honors 54 years of service by Senior Airman Timothy Moore 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

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See retirement, Page 3

FEATURES

NEWS Santa’s workshop receives upgrade, Page 6

Photo by Senior Airman Jonathan Stefanko

Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and John Mace read a certificate of service during Mace’s retirement ceremony Dec. 12 on Ramstein. Mace retired from the military after 25 years and retired again from civil service after 29 years.

Please enjoy this last edition of the KA, and remember to pick up a copy of the first paper in the new year on Jan. 9!

LIFESTYLES

en. Philip M. Breedlove, commander of Supreme Allied Command Europe and U.S. European Command, honored a member of the KMC — someone who at one time was a Soldier, Airman and civil servant — by officiating his retirement Dec. 12 on Ramstein. John Mace retired after 54 total years of service to the U.S. military with more than 100 family members, friends and military leaders present. Also, in attendance was Gen. Mark A. Welsh, U.S. Air Force chief of staff. “I’m very humbled about General Welsh

and General Breedlove being in attendance,” Mace said. “Two of the finest officers in any branch of service that I have ever met, and if I could pick either one of those as a brother, that would be the ultimate (choice). The biggest determining factor of a leader is his ability to influence others through his day-to-day actions, by walking the walk instead of talking the talk. These guys do it.” Mace began his service as a medic before he transitioned to military police in the Army. After several years he separated from the Army, but, he could not stay away from the military life. He returned as a medic for the Air Force and retired after 25 years in uniform.

USAFE band performs KMC Christmas concert, Page 10

Christmas market turns into New Year’s market, Page 16

The KA wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year


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