37th AS gives back with orientation flight

Story and photo by Senior Airman Nicole Sikorski 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
German local nationals who work on Ramstein pose for a group photo in front of a C-130J Super Hercules before an orientation flight June 29 on Ramstein.
German local nationals who work on Ramstein pose for a group photo in front of a C-130J Super Hercules before an orientation flight June 29 on Ramstein.

Airmen from the 37th Airlift Squadron gave a big “thank you” to German local national employees who work on Ramstein through an orientation flight June 29.

The flight was designed to give the German teammates a better understanding of what Airmen at Ramstein do and give them an appreciation of how much their work contributes to the mission.

More than 20 smiling and excited faces boarded the C-130J Super Hercules. Some had never flown on a U.S. Air Force aircraft before.

“It was an amazing experience,” said Monika Berry, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa funds management specialist. “I would have come back from leave for this flight.  I am grateful that the 37th AS gave us this opportunity and to have gotten a seat on the flight.”

Capt. Jonathan Recor and Capt. Sean McKee, both C-130J pilots assigned to the 37th AS, took their passengers 500 feet above the ground performing maneuvers and giving them an experience of what their everyday life looks like.

“It’s important for the local nationals to know how much the military members appreciate the work they do,” McKee said. “Everyone in the group today has a direct piece in making the mission at Ramstein happen.  It’s also a physical example of the great partnership that we share here.”

Along with the pilots, Senior Airman Steven Garrison, 37th AS loadmaster, attended to the German locals’ in-flight needs to make it a comfortable and exciting experience.

According to Recor, the flight was much appreciated by locals as well as the pilots who were glad to have them on board. 

“It was great to look around the flight deck and see the pride,” Recor said.

Giving back to the community and local partners is key to accomplishing the Air Force mission.

Capts. Jonathan Recor and Sean McKee, C-130J Super Hercules pilots assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, brief German local nationals before the orientation flight. Recor and McKee briefed safety procedures and what to do in case of flight sickness.
Capts. Jonathan Recor and Sean McKee, C-130J Super Hercules pilots assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, brief German local nationals before the orientation flight. Recor and McKee briefed safety procedures and what to do in case of flight sickness.