KMC commander announced

***image1***Gen.  Roger Brady, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, announced May 13 that Col. Bill Bender, 86th Airlift Wing commander, is designated the KMC commander.

As the KMC commander, he is the senior military representative to the German government of more than 53,400 personnel living and working on five Air Force and 10 Army locations.

“I am very excited to not only lead a phenomenal flying wing, but to also serve as the KMC commander,” Colonel Bender said. “We are all fortunate to be stationed overseas and live in a wonderful community with our German neighbors. I look forward to more partnership opportunities between our military bases, host nation officials and the German community.”

The KMC commander title was re-designated from the U.S. Army to the U.S. Air Force in the mid 1970s, said Barb Felden, 86th AW Host Nation Office chief who has worked in the office since 1984.

The change came about when U.S. Army forces withdrew from the area while more Air Force personnel moved in, thus making up the majority of the military community.

“The KMC commander position is very important as it gives host nation officials a designated military representative to discuss concerns and issues,” Ms. Felden said.