Page 6
OPPORTUNITY, from Page 2
thankful I had the presence of mind to listen to his words of wisdom. “Never forget …” As folks from home always say, “Remember where you came from, baby.” Why? Now I realize that remembering serves as a vehicle to take you where you want to go and a key to making a person successful. I mentioned during my change of command that every “good” story starts with, “In the beginning; once upon a time; there I was; see, what had happened was.” However, when your story of success starts, remember you will not go it alone. I love the saying, “Standing on the shoulders of giants.” Usually, when I go back home to visit, rarely do I talk about what I do in the military. Outside of close family and friends, most ask if I’m still a sergeant in the Army, and I’m OK with that. I answer, “Yes, ma’am or sir.” On one of my visits about six or seven years ago, I went to my grandmother’s house. There, hanging on the living room wall, were the official photos of the family members who served in the Armed Forces — my uncles who served in the Army and Air Force, my pop who retired from the Army and my two cousins who served in the Navy. And what was missing? My photo! The next time I went home, my photo was added and it was a game changer. I was the only female and the only officer among my grandmother’s pictures. I stand on the shoulders of such strong people, like Sojourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr., Tuskegee Airmen, Bessie Coleman and, of course, my family, who paved the way for me. During my change of command, “send me” were the words to which I answered my calling to be an Airman, a leader in the Air Force. So, I encourage you, when you get your opportune unities in life, carpe diem (seize the day) and answer your call of destiny with “send me.”
Kaiserslautern American
February 17, 2012
Counterfeits, meds, food unwelcome imports Be aware of what’s sent to your APO box in Germany
HEIDELBERG, Germany — Many U.S. personnel stationed in Germany receive products by mail-order from the U.S. or other countries. Your friends and relatives in other countries may also send you things. However, some items may not be mailed to your APO address according to German law. U.S. and German customs conduct random checks of APO mail for unauthorized items. Recent seizures in the Kaiserslautern, Ramstein and Stuttgart areas show that some people are violating these laws. “Using the APO to import any item for resale, a business or volunteer organization is banned,” said Bill Johnson, director of the U.S. Army Europe Customs Executive Agency. He said if you want to import items for these purposes, you are required to have them delivered to your German home address and must pay any import duty and tax due. If you don’t, you are violating the law and U.S. military regulations by evading taxes. Counterfeits of trademarked items are also banned from the mail. “Trademark violations are the illegal use of signs, names, logos and business names that brand manufacturers use to distinguish their products,” Johnson said. Many producers of DVDs and CDs or designer goods such as purses, shoes or clothing have registered their trademarks with customs who inspect the mail for fake products. Johnson added that people should not buy medications, diet pills or nutritional supplements by mail order because the import of those items through the APO is also forbidden. Even items like vitamins or ginseng in highly measured doses may be subject to restrictions. Food products are also problematic due to animal and plant health regulations. ARI, from Page 2
I looked down at the floor because a wave of guilt hit me. I was ashamed and embarrassed, and I knew my behavior had lost me the confidence of my peers and leadership. “Look at me,” my commander said. “I know you, and you don’t need to look down on yourself. You’ve made a mistake, but you do not have to be that mistake. If you want to fix this you look me in the eye, take responsibility, learn from this and move forward.” It’s been nearly a year since I sat in that chair behind closed doors, and I am fortunate enough to say that I was able to fix my mistake. The hardest part was looking my commander in the eye because for most Airmen, the biggest critic you will ever have is yourself. I understood I had to accept that my mistake did not define me, that my leadership had faith in me and that I could still have pride in myself because I was making the decision to hold
“Meat or meat products like beef jerky, game or ham are banned from the mail, as are canned meats, soup mixes or pasta containing meat,” he said. Caviar from sturgeon is forbidden due to the endangering of all species of sturgeon. There are further restrictions on potatoes, milk products and eggs. Firearms and ammunition are also restricted items that should only be mailed to Germany if you have the required German permits. Johnson added that some types of paintball guns and air soft rifles available stateside are more powerful than German law allows and so customs should be consulted before having these kinds of weapons imported. Endangered species products are another area of concern. People buying these products add to the risk of animals and plants becoming extinct. Because of this, customs can fine you and confiscate the goods. Reptile skins are often used in watchbands, handbags, belts, wallets and shoes. Most crocodile, lizard, snake and all sea turtle products are prohibited, too. Customs will also stop ivory and whale teeth decorations, known as scrimshaw and netsuke, as well as many plants such as cacti and orchids from being imported. “You should also remember that coffee, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are rationed in Germany and may not be mailed via the APO,” Johnson said. Johnson said it is perfectly legal to have things like coffee, liqueurs or cigars sent to your German home address via the German mail system or a commercial parcel service. However, you may have to pay tax and import duty, which can sometimes be quite expensive. Avoid nasty mail box surprises and keep prohibited items out of the APO. Military customs offices can provide more advice on these mail questions, and information is also available in English on the German customs website at www1.zoll. de/english_version/b0_prohibitions_and_restrictions/index. html. (Courtesy of USAREUR Customs Executive Agency)
means taking ownership of our actions myself accountable for my actions. After making that decision, I took and living up to the standards set forth not only by the Air Force, but also the responsibility by getting help. standards we set for ourI received counseling, “I didn’t want to say that selves. apologized to my friends Take it from me, a perwho were affected by my I did what I normally did actions and made a plan when I was drinking … I son who has come back to prevent myself from didn’t want to say that I from an ARI: ARIs are abusing alcohol in the couldn’t remember picking avoidable and the circumstances leading up to future. a fight with one of my best them are directly shaped By adhering to that plan I was able to gain friends. I didn’t want to say by our choices. Where you are right perspective on my past that I got out of control actions and learn from and punched a window in now doesn’t have to them. the dorms. I didn’t want to determine where you’ll Although drinking by say that I couldn’t remem- end up. I moved forward by itself is not wrong, drinkber who took me back to continuing to hold myself ing irresponsibly can cremy room, bandaged me up accountable, and I ask all ate dangerous situations and put me to bed. I didn’t of you to do the same. for everyone involved. I put my fellow want to say anything at all Continue taking steps in Airmen, my wingmen, in because any reply would the right direction so our horrible circumstances. I reveal my own blaring wing and the Air Force can be free of alcohol realized I should never regrets.” related incidents. put myself in a position that makes me incapable of taking “No ARIs … no excuses … drink care of myself. Personal accountability responsibly.”