Ramstein Airman wins Guardian Angel award

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

 

Photo by Senior Airman Caitlin O’Neil-McKeown Staff Sgt. Josh Krape, 86th Operations Support Squadron survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialist, won the Guardian Angel award at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa level and will be going forward to the Air Force level. The Air Force “Guardian Angels” is a group of phenomenal men and women who make up nine capabilities synonymous for specialized operations — their motto, “That others may live … to return with honor.”
Photo by Senior Airman Caitlin O’Neil-McKeown
Staff Sgt. Josh Krape, 86th Operations Support Squadron survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialist, won the Guardian Angel award at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa level and will be going forward to the Air Force level. The Air Force “Guardian Angels” is a group of phenomenal men and women who make up nine capabilities synonymous for specialized operations — their motto, “That others may live … to return with honor.”

The Air Force “Guardian Angels” is a group of phenomenal men and women who make up nine capabilities synonymous for specialized operations — their motto, “That others may live … to return with honor.”

Some of these core specialties include combat rescue officers, pararescuemen, and survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists. What these Airmen bring to the fight is advanced training in order to go into hostile areas and bring any fallen brothers or sisters back alive.

Recently, an 86th Operations Support Squadron Airman here was recognized as one of the cream of the crop by winning the Guardian Angel award for his second consecutive year.

Staff Sgt. Josh Krape, 86th OSS SERE specialist, won the award at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa level and will be going forward to the Air Force level.

“It’s great being able to win. Even if there is low competition, we are always trying to win. It’ll be cool to put it up on my shelf this year,” Krape said.

Those who excel in their profession and are active in their community are awarded the Guardian Angel award.
“Sergeant Krape is a really hard worker. He’s always volunteering for everything and works to get the mission done,” said Staff Sgt. Tony Fancher, NCOIC of SERE operations and training.

All aircrew members undergo initial SERE training but must maintain proficiency every few years to keep mission-ready status by taking a refresher SERE course that is held once a month. The SERE refresher course they receive here prepares crewmembers for deployments.

The SERE specialty is designed to train different members on how to survive in dangerous climates. From deserts to the arctic, to open oceans, jungles and mountain ranges, these Airmen are put through years of rigorous training in order to train others on how to survive.