US airmen, marines, and soldiers were among the 200 paratroopers from six NATO countries who participated in International Jump Week, Aug. 8-11. It was the third annual jump week hosted by the 435th Contingency Response Group, which falls under the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing based at Ramstein AB, Germany. Throughout the week, paratroopers from the US, Germany, England, Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands jumped out of aircraft from Papa AB, Hungary, Peterson AFB, Colo., and the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein. “Building these partnerships with our allies is just as important as jumping,” said Col. John Shapalnd, 435th AGOW commander. “It’s great because jumpers from all over get to share experiences … jumps, and war stories with each other. That bond is resilient and lasting.”
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.