Ramstein’s Rockin’ 4th is a success

For many that were far from home and miles away from celebrating an Independence Day on American soil, freedom rang true and traditions ran proud at Ramstein’s Rockin’ 4th of July.

***image6***“It was a good turnout,” said Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald, command chief of the 86th Airlift Wing. “There was a lot of support from vendors and, of course, the community played a vital role in making this happen.”

“With so many servicemembers far away from the ‘Red, White and Blue,’ being at the Fourth of July activities was a taste of home,” said Jennifer Johnson, an attendee at Ramstein’s Rockin’ 4th.

Although many came out for a relaxing holiday, numerous people took time out of their Fourth of July schedule to help support local groups who had booths at the event.

The Ramstein Enlisted Spouses’ Association worked all day at their homemade lemonade stand.

***image7***“Getting together as a group to raise money towards community projects like schools, sports’ programs and scholarships is the best part about working,” said Sandy Boies, wife of Chief Master Sgt. Chris Boies.

The United Service Organizations sponsored Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, along with numerous other attractions that were held throughout the day. Pie-eating contests, dog shows, carousel rides, cotton candy and pony rides for children were also offered. The 35-minute fireworks display closed out the night.

Independence Day at Ramstein this year not only boasted of America’s favorite pastimes, but also bursted with American patriotism. From American streamers to Old Glory T-shirts, the KMC banded together and showed the only thing that was missing was the warm apple pie.

Ramstein’s Rockin’ 4th of July celebration brought bands, games, rides, food and fireworks to a safe environment for the families of the KMC to enjoy. (Photos clockwise from top left) A clown strolls down the street on stilts, entertaining guests of Ramstein’s Rockin’ 4th of July celebration; Pranee Vaughn (right), spouse of Capt. Richard Vaughn, 603rd Air Operations Center, races to finish her watermelon slice before anyone else; Master Sgt. John Noble (left) and Andrew Colbern sing along with the Lt. Dan Band while holding Parker Hollenbeck (left), son of Senior Master Sgt. David Hollenbeck, and Daniel Noble, son of Master Sgt. John Noble; Briana Blackwell, daughter of Spc. Jerry Blackwell from Baumholder, has her face painted at Ramstein’s Rockin’ 4th of July celebration; Anya Howells, daughter of Sgt. Tony Howells, experiences her first pony ride during Ramstein’s Rockin’ Fourth of July celebration. (Opposite page, bottom) Senior Airman David Newborn, 435th Vehicle Readiness Squadron, performs with his band, Dezember. (Opposite page, top) Fireworks explode during Ramstein’s Rockin’ 4th of July,
signaling the grand finale of the night’s events at Ramstein.

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