Commentary

Commentary

Making things right

by Airman 1st Class Joshua Magbanua
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

It was a chilly spring evening as I was driving home after spending some time with friends. My wife, who was nine months pregnant at the time, was sleeping soundly in the passenger seat. My only concern at the moment was to bring her home as quickly and safely as possible.

August 10, 2017 ×

Commentary, News

A U.S. Navy Sailor and a member of the Armee de Terre switch hats for a photo July 12 at Camp de Satory, France. During rehearsals, military members from different countries had the opportunity to interact and learn from the other’s military traditions and culture, further strengthening the bond between old allies.

Navigating the path to being forged in the crucible of anxiety

Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Savannah L. Waters
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

I readjust my shorts for the tenth time as I walk toward the group of people waiting around the van, reading the requirements for appropriate clothing. “Are they too short? It’s too hot outside for pants, but what if I’m the only one wearing shorts? Oh, she’s wearing sweats and […]

July 27, 2017 ×

Commentary

Commentary — LGBT Experience

by an anonymous Airman

I left for Air Force Basic Military Training on May 11, 2015. I left behind most of my immediate family, the love of my life, Joseph, and our two dogs. The six-hour drive to the Military Entrance Processing Station was filled with every emotion ranging from anxious to excitement. An […]

June 29, 2017 ×

Commentary

Commentary — Trans in the Military

Commentary — Trans in the Military

by Anonymous

My name is Stephanie. I was born and I enlisted into the Air Force as Jonathan from St. Louis, Missouri. My father was in the Air Force as well, and it just made sense for me to leave home the same way. My first year in the military was filled with what I would say every child leaving home deals with; learning who they are and learning to accept the different parts of who they are. That’s when I came out as transgender male-to-female, and at first, it was a very difficult few months. I first only came out to certain friends, and of course family, and all the change left me in a difficult place until I was introduced to the military’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community, OutServe-SLDN, Germany. Through this group I made many friends, and was accepted into their family almost immediately. After a few months of this, I had the confidence to live as who I was until I began pursuing treatment.

June 29, 2017 ×

Commentary

Before and after the repeal

by Ashley Carothers

I’m often asked by younger Soldiers and Airmen: what was it like serving under don’t ask, don’t tell? My response, “I was an actress.” Every day I lived a double life. I would pretend to be interested in men. When out with co-workers I would flirt with guys who flirted […]

June 23, 2017 ×

Commentary, News

What I hate about my job

by Airman 1st Class Joshua Magbanua 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

As a photojournalist Airman, I have documented some amazing stories of the Air Force. Unfortunately, I have also had the duty to document the military’s ugly side.

December 15, 2016 ×

Commentary, News

No fight should be fought alone, especially loneliness

by Airman 1st Class Lane T. Plummer
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

In my family, Christmas time has always represented happiness, togetherness and caring for one another. In the warm embrace of our loved ones, we treasured what we had in our lives and tried our best to show our compassion for each other by spending time and sharing gifts with one another.

October 27, 2016 ×

Commentary, News

It’s about more than just pink shirts

It’s about more than just pink shirts

by Col. Brent Johnson
86th Medical Group

In the last few weeks you’ve hopefully seen several articles in the news and on the Ramstein website about Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You’ve also hopefully read the article about our very own Senior Airman Jordan Hebner, 86th Dental Squadron and the mastermind behind the sudden flood of pink morale […]

October 27, 2016 ×

Commentary, News

Photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Magbanua
Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas (right) salutes Lt. Gen. Timothy M. Ray, 3rd Air Force commander, after being awarded the Legion of Merit medal in recognition of his service as the 86th Airlift Wing commander Aug. 17 on Ramstein. Thomas is slated to become the director, Strategic Plans, Requirements and Programs, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

A farewell to Mighty 86th

by Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas 86th Airlift Wing commander

When you take command of a unit or installation, you expect to personally grow; you expect the experience to broaden your perspective and offer opportunities to build your leadership skills. You do not always expect the units and missions to grow. Since I took command in June, 2015, the Kaiserslautern Military Community and Team Ramstein have grown and evolved immensely — and I couldn’t be prouder of all we’ve accomplished together.

August 18, 2016 ×

Commentary, News

It’s your loss if you don’t floss

by Staff Sgt. Justin Lane 86th Dental Squadron

The other day while browsing Facebook for funny fail videos, I came across something even more outrageous. It was an article — recently gaining considerable coverage — attempting to debunk the need for dental floss by claiming no significant evidence exists to support flossing.

August 11, 2016 ×