6 Airmen share their stories with KMC

Airmen from across Ramstein shared their stories with members of the KMC May 10.

Organized by the Total Force Development Council, six Airmen, ranging from airman 1st class to captain, shared events
that made them the people they are today in front of more than 200 members of the community.

“The whole point of storytellers was to play off of General Welsh’s (chief of staff of the Air Force) ‘every Airman has a story’ theme,” said Tech. Sgt. Tabitha Bennett, one of two event coordinators. “This event is a reminder that we have to get to know our people, because that’s the right thing to do.”

The Airmen selected had stories ranging from homelessness to domestic abuse to dealing with suicide.

“Speakers were chosen because their stories contained resiliency, warrior ethos, a challenge they had to overcome, or because they were inspirational,” said Master Sgt. Lisa Harelson, one of two event coordinators. “We had quite a few people interested in sharing their story, but we had to narrow it down to the six we had today.”

Hearing the Airmen during practices gave Harelson a sense of humility, she said.

“Every time we had a practice, I realized that this is very humbling for them,” Harelson said. “I also got a sense of pride to be serving with them because of some of the things they’ve lived through. It just gives me a sense of pride knowing I’m serving with people like them.”

Some of these stories really hit home, Harelson said. It’s important for everyone to know their people and know where they came from, because it’s not certain who out there has a story like this.

“Coming to this event made me realize that anyone could come from some type of hardship,” said Senior Airman Ashley Corkins, American Forces Network broadcaster. “I learned that you can’t tell just by looking at them, but you have to ask questions and take time to learn who they really are.”

At the end of one speaker’s story, she thanked the audience for simply listening to her share events that made her who she is today.

“I don’t even think my story comes close to those of the other storytellers. We’ve had some trauma and horrible things in our lives,” said Capt. Melissa Buzbee Stiles, 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight nurse. “If my story can touch one person’s life, then this was worth all the nervousness of speaking in front of you.”