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45 years of life working for the U.S. Air Force was held Nov. 15 on Ramstein. Longevity and dedication to a single employer is a highly regarded accomplishment in the German culture, and nearly 100 American and local national civilians were honored.
A dedicated workforce of local national and American civilian workers was honored on Ramstein for their impressive feats of longevity and sacrifices to the Air Force.
Nearly 100 civilians were honored for their 20 plus years of service with five being recognized for 45 years of contributions.
“Today we recognize 20 to 45 years of commitments made to our U.S. armed forces,” said Brig. Gen. Patrick X. Mordente, 86th Airlift Wing commander. “These stellar individuals have devoted vast amounts of their lives to continue to make our world a better place.”
Nearly 400 men and women from the KMC and geographically separated units are honored each year for their continued dedicated work for the Air Force.
“This is a ceremony the entire KMC can be proud of,” Mordente said. “Having a dedicated and trustworthy civilian workforce is an integral part of keeping Ramstein the Air Force’s premier installation.”
Forging ahead with creating international bonds, the Air Force employs more than 12,500 local nationals throughout its force structure. Airmen working in conjunction with local nationals continue to foster cross cultural relations.
“The length of service awards are a highly regarded accomplishment in the German culture,” said Mike Henry, 86th Force Support Squadron chief of training and civilian personnel requirements. “Having an employer acknowledge and appreciate the continued hard work and dedication of our civilian workforce is quite rewarding and helps reinforce the international bonds we build with our employed local nationals.”
Through the bonds they have created, civilian employees here have not only adapted to the military lifestyle, but adopted the Air Force culture and values as their own.
“The service and dedication of those honored today truly show the characteristics of integrity, excellence and most assuredly service before self,” Mordente said.
