February 10, 2012
HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
Volume 36, number 6
SECDEF visits Air Force wounded warrior care facility by Staff Sgt. Travis Edwards 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs The Secretary of Defense visited Ramstein Air Base Friday to show his appreciation for the dedicated and hard-working service members who ensure wounded warriors receive world-class care. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta started his visit at the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility here, where in front of more than 100 Airmen, reporters and commanders, he delivered a heartfelt speech on his appreciation for the job of caring for wounded service members. "Continue to do what you do best, which is to take these lives (of wounded service members) and give them a new life so they can be with their family," said Panetta, the 23rd defense secretary. "I deeply appreciate what all of you do, I can't tell you how proud we are of the service you provide." The CASF is a transitional center that provides 24/7 support for all scheduled and unscheduled aeromedical evacuation missions transiting through Ramstein. The CASF ensures safe transport and staging of wounded service members between aircraft and the next higher level of care. See FACILITY, Page 3
Photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Willis
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta signs a Wounded Warrior banner in the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility Feb. 3 on Ramstein. During his visit, the 23rd defense secretary expressed appreciation for the dedication and hard work of the service members who ensure wounded warriors receive world-class care.
21st TSC’s 1st HRSC welcomes Ramstein’s first Patriot Express flight Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Taylor 21st TSC Public Affairs After many months of planning, coordinating and preparation, 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s 1st Human Resources Sustainment Center personnel were able to put their hard work to use as they welcomed passengers at the Ramstein Passenger Terminal from the first Patriot Express flight at the Ramstein Gateway Reception Center here Tuesday. The 1st HRSC received and inprocessed approximately 120 Soldiers and family
members. The Patriot Express is a Department of Defense chartered method of air travel, which transits between the Baltimore-Washington International Airport and Ramstein Air Base. “The Air Force and the Army requested that passengers coming to and leaving from Germany be transported on Patriot Express missions,” said Colonel Glenn Chadwick, the 721st Air Mobility Operations Group deputy commander. “These flights save money, time, and provide better security and accountability for service members as See EXPRESS, Page 3
Park your vehicle in a safe place. Well-lit parking spots leave your car much more visible than a spot hidden away in a dark corner or carport.
FEATURE
TIP OF THE WEEK
LIFESTYLES
Soldiers from the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's 1st Human Resources Sustainment Center, work diligently to process Soldiers arriving in theater on the Ramstein Gateway Reception Center's first Patriot Express flight Feb. 7 on Ramstein Air Base. The Patriot Express is a Department of Defense chartered method of air travel, which transits between the Baltimore-Washington International Airport and Ramstein. In time, the PE will be the primary airlift for Soldiers, family members and DoD Civilians on permanent change of station and temporary duty orders between Germany and the U.S.
21st TSC tax centers open for business, Page 8
Men, beware of women Thursday, Page 17
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As of Feb. 8
697