TRUAX FIELD, Wis. -- Approximately 30 Airmen with the Wisconsin Air National Guard, assigned to the 115th Force Support Squadron here, arrived at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Aug. 30, to provide support as part of a movement for training mission.
“A movement for training mission is when active duty units ask the Air Reserve Component for assistance during busy months,” said Chief Master Sgt. Craig Mortvedt, the 115th FSS superintendent. “During missions like these we gain experience and receive training from the active duty component we support.”
This training is unique because it consists of two Wisconsin Air National Guard units, said Maj. Penny Ripperger, the 115th FSS commander.
“Not only do we get to increase the camaraderie within our unit but we get to interact with an active duty counterpart and be transported by a KC-135 Stratotanker, that is assigned to the 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee,” said Ripperger.
Flying 115th Fighter Wing troops overseas isn't something the 128th Air Refueling Wing does often.
“Being able to transport troops internationally is good training for a new boom operator like me," said Staff Sgt. Zach Pulido, a boom operator with the 128th ARW.
With a big group of younger Airmen, Pulido isn’t the only one with a new experience on this trip.
“I’ve never left the U.S. before,” said Airman 1st Class Kaitlin Berry, a personnelist with the 115th FSS. “I’m excited to see another country and learn new things I can bring back to my unit.”
Being able to provide support at a busy base like Ramstein is a great opportunity for the 115th, said Mortvedt. The training and knowledge FSS Airmen will gain while being at an active duty base can’t be matched.