Features

On what should have been one of the happiest days of our lives, my wife and I were scalped of our happiness. And our resiliency was tested.

Airmen 1st Class Briann Eddy (left), Brennan Gregory (center) and Dakota Staten, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron special vehicle maintenance journeymen, inspect a Tunner 60K Loader Jan. 30 on Ramstein. All three have been together since technical training in California and are part of a 12-man shop responsible for keeping vehicles on the flightline operable at all times.

Airmen of the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron Vehicle Operations Flight have begun the first phase of a four-phase biannual contingency operational readiness training. This training ensures they are ready when called upon to serve as the nation’s elite ground transporters. Current military engagements demand extreme prowess from vehicle operators. CORT is where they hone skills that could one day potentially save the lives of passengers and fellow operators.

In order for a mission to be successful, all must know what they are doing — and do it well.

A bitter wind chases flurries of frost across the flightline, weaving around aircraft and stinging the faces of those who stand in its way. While many Airmen are still asleep in their beds, the Airmen of the 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron are already awake and reporting for duty.

Life can be overwhelming for a new military spouse. What is an LES? How do I get help when I need it? What do I wear to an Air Force Ball?

Airmen and their families at Ramstein brag about the many perks of being stationed here: the opportunities to travel, the vibrant culture, the world-famous castles and, of course, the alcohol.