Considered one of the busiest units in US Air Forces in Europe, the 38th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, which calls Ramstein AB, Germany, home, is in almost total flux every two weeks. The unit comprises 199 Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command airmen, many of whom switch out with other reserve airmen every two weeks. The unit, which supports missions throughout Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia, in 2009 has flown 798 sorties, transporting 6,400 passengers and 2,061 tons of cargo. Meanwhile, they are training to fly the new C-130J, now being assigned to Ramstein. “Gone are those [weekend warrior] days; since the Gulf War, it’s all about the Total Force now, so we come in fully trained and ready to go when the active force needs us,” said SMSgt. David Leone, 38th EAS first sergeant and a tax auditor for New York State. (Ramstein report by TSgt. Michael Voss)
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.