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The minister president of Rheinland-Pfalz honored the U.S. Air Force’s 60-year presence in Germany during a streamer presentation held March 2 on Ramstein.
Brig. Gen. C.K. Hyde, 86th Airlift Wing commander, accepted the streamer on behalf of the USAF from Minister President Kurt Beck. The presentation included remarks from both Hyde and Beck, as well as Gen. Mark Welsh, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, and the honorable Philip Murphy, U.S. ambassador to Germany.
“My heartfelt gratitude and also congratulations to all U.S. Soldiers, civil employees and their families. In particular, congratulations and thank you to the members of the 86th (Airlift Wing). To me, it is an honor and a privilege to bestow upon you the streamer of the state of Rheinland-Pfalz,” Beck said.
Hyde echoed Beck’s sentiments of appreciation, speaking for all Airmen in Rheinland-Pfalz.
“To the citizens of Rheinland-Pfalz, thank you for hosting the U.S. Air Force, our Airmen and the thousands of families (that) call you friends and neighbors, and your villages home,” Hyde said.
Other events were planned throughout the day to commemorate the German and American friendship in Rheinland-Pfalz. A historical exhibit, “My American,” opened at the Ramstein-Miesenbach Museum. The exhibit documents personal memoirs from local citizens about German interactions with Americans throughout the years.
In addition, a concert featuring Direct Hit, a U.S. Air Forces in Europe band, and Phoenix Foundation, a Mainz jazz formation, impressed audience members at the Haus des Bürgers in Ramstein-Miesenbach.
“In a partnership that began based on shared values, we have now become friends,” Welsh said. “Three generations of American Airmen have served in Germany and in Rheinland-Pfalz. They are proud to have been here. They will forever be proud to call you friends.”
