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In an attempt to deliver information about the various education programs offered on Ramstein, the 86th Force Support Squadron Ramstein Education Center held an education fair April 16 at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center food court.
To answer as many questions as possible, the Air Force and Army Education Services, Airman and Family Readiness Center, Ramstein Library, career assistance advisors, on-base universities and the
Department of Veteran’s Affairs, were in attendance.
“I’m a fan of the saying ‘we’re all one team’,” said Michael Jones, 86th FSS Ramstein Education Center education services specialist. “There have been times when we held an event like this, and the Air Force couldn’t help the Army members who come by. I started thinking about what we could do to show everyone in the community what kind of education programs we have, which is why I asked all the different organizations to be a part of this event.”
The fair was open to active-duty, dependents and Department of Defense civilians and provided one location where questions could be answered regarding education opportunities.
“The ease of access has been very effective,” Jones said. “With the different organizations working together, it’s like one-stop shopping for your education.”
The American Forces Network was also in attendance, broadcasting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on education topics and advertising for the event. Those who benefitted from the fair did not know about it beforehand and some attended due to curiosity and the strategic location of the fair.
“I am traveling back to the U.S. and had some time to kill while waiting for the rotator and I saw the fair,” said Lt. Col. Denis Briceño, 435th Air Ground Operations Wing inspector general. “I will be PCSing to Ramstein with my family in May, and I am interested in getting another master’s degree. So I am, so to speak, college shopping, since they are all conveniently located here.”
The 86th FSS Ramstein Education Center chose the KMCC food court for this reason. Since it is a busy area with a great deal of foot traffic, many people who had not known about the fair could still be reached even if they were only at the KMCC for lunch or shopping.
“This type of event is really good for the people who get stuck in their office or on the flight line and all they get during the day is a lunch break,” Jones said. “Many people come here to eat since there is such a variety and with all the organizations here at the same time, it reaches people that might not have the opportunity otherwise.”
Having an education can be one of the most rewarding accomplishments that a person can achieve. The military provides a wide variety of opportunities for all levels of education; these opportunities are available to those who utilize the programs that are being offered to achieve such an
award.
“One of the benefits of serving as active duty is education, and there are a variety of different programs that many people don’t know about,” Jones said. “We do the best we can to reach out, but it’s not always possible. The more that people spread the word about the programs available, the more effective it’s going to be.”
For more information about education programs, call the 86th Education Center at 480-2032 or 06371-47-2032, or email 86fss.ramsteineducationcenter@us.af.mil.
