Deployment Transition Center celebrates third anniversary

Story and photo by Senior Airman Aaron-Forrest Wainwright
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The Air Force Deployment Transition Center on Ramstein celebrated its third consecutive year, helping more than 6,000 military members returning from combat.

“The DTC was set up on Ramstein because it was thought to be the best spot logistically,” said Master Sgt. Cory Hancock, 86th Mission Support Group deployed transition center mission set manager. “Initially the DTC stood up to help with service members who may have traveled outside the wire.”

The anniversary celebration featured prior attendees who shared their stories on how the DTC impacted their life.

“It’s amazing how many people come through here that we are able to help,” said Staff Sgt. Carol Elam, 786th Force Support Squadron fitness center representative who went through the DTC. “There is nothing like the DTC anywhere.”

The center was designed to help service members transition from theater to day-to-day life by providing a four-day program in a stress-free environment after returning from deployment. It evolved to allow other service components.

“Our goal is to sustain the same level of assurance to all of our deployers and work with U.S. Air Forces Central to continue meeting their needs,” said Lt. Col Robert Rossi, 86th Mission Support Group Detachment 1, deployed transition center commander.

The theory is to allow the members to relax and decompress before they travel home. The programs offered at the DTC were designed to ease integration before service members return to work and to their family.

“There are wounds that our (service members) carry you can’t see,” said Brig. Gen. Patrick X. Mordente, 86th Airlift Wing commander. “What I’m proud to say … is because of the DTC, we do have an answer.”