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Jennifer H. Svan

Kaiserslautern's Jada Branch repeated as the girls triple jump champion at the European finals, with a leap of 39 feet, 6 inches, breaking her own DODEA-Europe record.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Kaiserslautern's Jada Branch repeated as the girls triple jump champion at the European finals, with a leap of 39 feet, 6 inches, breaking her own DODEA-Europe record.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

European track - Day 1

Branch breaks own record on sweltering K-town track

Branch’s jumping feat was part of an exciting day of competition that saw another record almost fall on the track, a slew of new champions emerge, and a few familiar faces exert their dominance again.

Click photo for caption and to enlarge

 

About 75 parents and educators of teenagers in the Kaiserslautern Military Community attended a forum to discuss emotional resilience for teenagers on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at Ramstein Middle School in Germany.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
About 75 parents and educators of teenagers in the Kaiserslautern Military Community attended a forum to discuss emotional resilience for teenagers on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at Ramstein Middle School in Germany.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Military parents, educators reflect on their own resiliency to help their teens

Organizers of an event said parents and mental health professionals are seeing increased reports of teen depression, anxiety, self-harm and other mental health issues in the Kaiserslautern Military Community.

Pfc. Christian Jacob “Jake” Chandler was killed while on a combat patrol in Afghanistan on April 28, 2014, about the same time Abdol Moghadas S. was said to have helped attack a U.S. convoy with the Taliban guerrillas. Chandler’s mother says she was disappointed German authorities didn’t investigate the case more thoroughly.<br>Department of Defense
Pfc. Christian Jacob “Jake” Chandler was killed while on a combat patrol in Afghanistan on April 28, 2014, about the same time Abdol Moghadas S. was said to have helped attack a U.S. convoy with the Taliban guerrillas. Chandler’s mother says she was disappointed German authorities didn’t investigate the case more thoroughly.<br>Department of Defense

Germany sentences asylum seeker to prison for role in attacks on US, Afghan forces

An Afghan refugee seeking asylum in Germany has been sentenced to four years and 10 months in jail for his role in attacks against U.S. and Afghan government forces while he was a teenager in Afghanistan.

Visitors check out artwork at the opening night of the DODEA art show in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Thursday, May 3, 2018. The exhibit at the city hall runs through the end of May. <br>Jennifer Svan/Stars and Stripes
Visitors check out artwork at the opening night of the DODEA art show in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Thursday, May 3, 2018. The exhibit at the city hall runs through the end of May. <br>Jennifer Svan/Stars and Stripes

DODEA students brighten Kaiserslautern city hall with art

An exhibit features watercolors, mixed-media works, photographs, pencil drawings, ceramics and other kinds of art from six Defense Department schools in the Kaiserslautern, Baumholder and Wiesbaden communities.

A dog waits to be picked up by its owner after arriving at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in March 2016. United Airlines has announced new restrictions to its pet transportation program that go into effect next month. They include a ban on 25 breeds of short-nosed dogs and cats and oversize crates for large-breed dogs.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
A dog waits to be picked up by its owner after arriving at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in March 2016. United Airlines has announced new restrictions to its pet transportation program that go into effect next month. They include a ban on 25 breeds of short-nosed dogs and cats and oversize crates for large-breed dogs.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

New United pet ban could spur military family heartache

When United Airlines resumes shipping pets in June, it will no longer transport some 25 breeds of dogs and cats and will bar oversized carriers commonly used for large dog breeds, such as Labradors, golden retrievers and German shepherds.

Outdoor seating flanks Carla Ohio Coffee and Things, a new cafe in the pedestrian zone in Kaiserlautern, Germany that specializes in coffee drinks and healthy lunches.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Outdoor seating flanks Carla Ohio Coffee and Things, a new cafe in the pedestrian zone in Kaiserlautern, Germany that specializes in coffee drinks and healthy lunches.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Carla Ohio another fine coffee hangout in Kaiserslautern

Considering how bustling the Kaffeeroesterei is, it stands to reason that Kaiserslautern has room for another establishment dedicated to fine coffee. Carla Ohio Coffee and Things is trying to fill that niche.

Chief Culinary Specialist Dominique Saavedra, assigned to the USS Michigan, is pinned with her enlisted submarine qualification at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Aug. 2, 2016. The Navy has extended the deadline for female enlisted sailors to convert to submarine force ratings. <br>Kenneth G. Takada/U.S. Navy
Chief Culinary Specialist Dominique Saavedra, assigned to the USS Michigan, is pinned with her enlisted submarine qualification at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Aug. 2, 2016. The Navy has extended the deadline for female enlisted sailors to convert to submarine force ratings. <br>Kenneth G. Takada/U.S. Navy

Deadline extended for female sailors to convert to sub force ratings

Sailors in ranks E-1 to E-8 now have until June 1 to apply, the Navy announced this week. The deadline had been April 11.

Eighth-grade students at the Bahrain school work on an assignment on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015. DODEA eighth-graders in 2017 led the nation in the latest national reading assessment released this week.<br>Stars and Stripes
Eighth-grade students at the Bahrain school work on an assignment on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015. DODEA eighth-graders in 2017 led the nation in the latest national reading assessment released this week.<br>Stars and Stripes

DODEA students get high marks in America's report card

U.S. military students are right up there with academic powerhouse Massachusetts, according to the latest national test results. The Department of Defense Education Activity held its own against a state that traditionally outperforms the nation in student assessments.

The train station in Kaiserslautern, Germany. A former U.S. military sergeant allegedly killed a German civilian in a fight early Friday morning at the train station.<br>Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes
The train station in Kaiserslautern, Germany. A former U.S. military sergeant allegedly killed a German civilian in a fight early Friday morning at the train station.<br>Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes

Former US servicemember arrested after German train station fight turns deadly

Police said a 33-year-old American killed a German man outside the Kaiserslautern train station last month.

Giant replica dinosaur bones take up space in the main entry area inside Gondwana - Das Praehistorium, an interactive dinosaur museum near Kaiserslautern, Germany.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Giant replica dinosaur bones take up space in the main entry area inside Gondwana - Das Praehistorium, an interactive dinosaur museum near Kaiserslautern, Germany.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Europe Quick Trips

Interactive exhibits at German dinosaur museum educate, entertain, frighten

When you visit Gondwana - Das Praehistorium, you’re in for a few surprises.

Oscar Rodriguez, pictured here, and another former airman are suing the Air Force for violating their religious liberty, dating back to a retirement ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., in 2016, when Rodriguez was thrown out for what he alleges was for a speech referencing ''God.''<br>Photo courtesy First Liberty
Oscar Rodriguez, pictured here, and another former airman are suing the Air Force for violating their religious liberty, dating back to a retirement ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., in 2016, when Rodriguez was thrown out for what he alleges was for a speech referencing ''God.''<br>Photo courtesy First Liberty

Vets say Air Force should have allowed retirement speech that mentioned God

A retired senior master sergeant, Rodriguez had been invited by Master Sgt. Charles Roberson to speak while the flag was folded during Roberson’s retirement ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., two years ago.

Col. Leland Bohannon. The Air Force has ruled that Bohannon, who declined to sign a letter of appreciation for the same-sex spouse of an airman in his command, was unfairly reprimanded and had the right to exercise his religious beliefs.<br>U.S. Air Force
Col. Leland Bohannon. The Air Force has ruled that Bohannon, who declined to sign a letter of appreciation for the same-sex spouse of an airman in his command, was unfairly reprimanded and had the right to exercise his religious beliefs.<br>U.S. Air Force

Air Force: Colonel had religious right to refuse signing same-sex spouse appreciation letter

The Air Force has affirmed the religious rights of a colonel who claimed he was wrongly disciplined for refusing to sign a certificate of appreciation for the same-sex spouse of one of his airmen last year.

U.S. military, school and German construction officials shovel a pile of dirt on March 28, 2018, to symbolically mark the start of construction on a new Ramstein High School near Kaiserslautern, Germany. The school is scheduled to be ready for students and teachers by fall of 2021.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
U.S. military, school and German construction officials shovel a pile of dirt on March 28, 2018, to symbolically mark the start of construction on a new Ramstein High School near Kaiserslautern, Germany. The school is scheduled to be ready for students and teachers by fall of 2021.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Construction begins at Ramstein on biggest DODEA school in Germany

The new high school is scheduled to open in the fall of 2021, which means this year’s 8th graders will be the first class to attend and graduate from the new school.

Air Force Junior ROTC cadets take a familiarization flight in a 1st Special Operations Wing aircraft at Hurlburt Field, Fla., June 27, 2017. <br>Joseph Pick/U.S. Air Force
Air Force Junior ROTC cadets take a familiarization flight in a 1st Special Operations Wing aircraft at Hurlburt Field, Fla., June 27, 2017. <br>Joseph Pick/U.S. Air Force

As Air Force grapples with pilot shortage, Flight Academy provides hope for the future

The Air Force plans to put kids into the cockpit to teach them how to fly in hopes of sparking youth interest in aviation as the military struggles with a pilot shortage.

A dog waits to be picked up by its owner after arriving at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in March 2016. United Airlines' suspension of its pet transportation program has left military families on Guam scrambling; United is the only carrier that services the island. Families in Germany can continue to move pets via Patriot Express and Lufthansa.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
A dog waits to be picked up by its owner after arriving at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in March 2016. United Airlines' suspension of its pet transportation program has left military families on Guam scrambling; United is the only carrier that services the island. Families in Germany can continue to move pets via Patriot Express and Lufthansa.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

Military family pets stranded as United Airlines suspends shipments

Military families on Guam moving to the U.S. mainland may be forced to leave their pets behind, following United Airlines’ decision to suspend its pet transportation program until no later than May 1, following multiple delivery mistakes and at least one pet death.

Fort Belvoir Elementary School<br>YouTube
Fort Belvoir Elementary School<br>YouTube

Third-grader brings knife to Fort Belvoir school; no injuries following scare

A third-grade student brought a pocket knife to Fort Belvoir Elementary School in Virginia on Thursday and may have threatened other students with it, according to parents critical of the school’s response and base officials.

F-16 fighter jets from the 112th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Europe as part of a theater security package from Toledo Air National Guard Base, Ohio, prepare for takeoff on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The jets were participating in a large-scale basewide exercise with Spangdahlem personnel.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
F-16 fighter jets from the 112th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Europe as part of a theater security package from Toledo Air National Guard Base, Ohio, prepare for takeoff on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The jets were participating in a large-scale basewide exercise with Spangdahlem personnel.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Fighter jet operations ramp up during basewide Spangdahlem exercise

Spangdahlem Air Base wrapped up a two-week exercise Thursday night, during which flying ramped up day and night. Loud sirens signaled for airmen to take cover under desks, among other training drills.

Students at Kaiserslautern High School in Germany observe a moment of silence for the victims of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting during a school walkout on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Students at Kaiserslautern High School in Germany observe a moment of silence for the victims of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting during a school walkout on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

video

Students at overseas military bases protest school shootings with walkouts

At bases from Japan to Germany, students joined a national gun violence protest, walking out of class Wednesday in memory of peers and teachers killed in a Florida school shooting last month.

Jerred Mitchell, an Air Force master sergeant assigned to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, almost lost his pension due to being medically retired from the Air Force. He managed to just make it past 20 years after going through two medical evaluation boards and appealing to the Secretary of the Air Force to be returned to duty, an appeal that he lost. Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes<br>Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes
Jerred Mitchell, an Air Force master sergeant assigned to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, almost lost his pension due to being medically retired from the Air Force. He managed to just make it past 20 years after going through two medical evaluation boards and appealing to the Secretary of the Air Force to be returned to duty, an appeal that he lost. Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes<br>Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes

Medical retirement can leave servicemembers fighting for their pensions

Though uncommon, getting discharged between 19 and 20 years on medical grounds does happen. It almost happened to Jerred Mitchell, a noncommissioned officer at Ramstein Air Base.

Jonnen Messer, a fifth-grader at Ramstein Intermediate School, reacts after spelling a hard word correctly. Messer won the 35th Annual European Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Jonnen Messer, a fifth-grader at Ramstein Intermediate School, reacts after spelling a hard word correctly. Messer won the 35th Annual European Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Ramstein 5th-grader wins European PTA Spelling Bee

After 38 grueling rounds and more than four hours on stage, Ramstein Intermediate School 5th-grader Jonnen Messer won the 35th annual European PTA Spelling Bee, with the word "stalactite." His final-round opponent Ramstein Middle School 7th-grader Ramon Padua Jr., fell on the word "trillado."

People walk along the pedestrian zone in downtown Kaiserslautern, Germany, on Monday, Feb. 26, 2018. A German man was arrested in the downtown area on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018, after firing a starter pistol in the street.<br>Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes
People walk along the pedestrian zone in downtown Kaiserslautern, Germany, on Monday, Feb. 26, 2018. A German man was arrested in the downtown area on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018, after firing a starter pistol in the street.<br>Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes

Blank shots fired in German city near US bases lead to arrest; no one hurt

A German man caused a commotion downtown Wednesday when he fired multiple blank shots with a starter pistol, scaring and threatening shoppers before he was taken into custody.

Spc. Christian J. Chandler, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, died April 28, 2014, in Logar province, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire. Chandler, 20, was an infantryman from Trenton, Texas.<br>U.S. Army
Spc. Christian J. Chandler, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, died April 28, 2014, in Logar province, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire. Chandler, 20, was an infantryman from Trenton, Texas.<br>U.S. Army

How a US soldier’s death in Afghanistan ended up in a German court, 4 years later

Although prosecutors say it’s the first time Germany has tried anyone for an alleged role in the death of a U.S. soldier abroad, the case against Abdol Moghadas S., 20, has received little attention.

Spangdahlem cheerleaders work to complete a pyramid at the DODEA-Europe cheer tournament on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Wiesbaden, Germany. The Sentinels took second place in Division II during their first year at their new school, after Bitburg closed last year.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Spangdahlem cheerleaders work to complete a pyramid at the DODEA-Europe cheer tournament on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Wiesbaden, Germany. The Sentinels took second place in Division II during their first year at their new school, after Bitburg closed last year.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

It's cheerleaders' turn to get applause in European championships

Eighteen cheer squads competed in DODEA’s 23rd Annual Cheer Tournament of Champions in the Clay Kaserne Fitness Center Saturday morning, giving fans who packed the gym early something to cheer for ahead of the European basketball finals.

Teacher Kelli Keedwell works with her kindergarten students at Ramstein Elementary School, Germany on Jan. 22, 2018. Her classroom incorporates a variety of flexible seating, including wobbly stools that allow students to wiggle and move while doing class work.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Teacher Kelli Keedwell works with her kindergarten students at Ramstein Elementary School, Germany on Jan. 22, 2018. Her classroom incorporates a variety of flexible seating, including wobbly stools that allow students to wiggle and move while doing class work.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Getting their ‘wiggles’ out — flexible seating comes to military schools in Europe

Flexible seating is part of a growing trend that’s transforming classrooms from a one-seat-fits-all model to an eclectic design more common in coffee shops or living rooms.

The new L369 traffic circle outside the east gate of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is scheduled to open on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018. The circle is part of ongoing road work outside the gate to improve traffic flow once the new Defense Department medical center is built on Rhine Ordnance Barracks. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
The new L369 traffic circle outside the east gate of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is scheduled to open on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018. The circle is part of ongoing road work outside the gate to improve traffic flow once the new Defense Department medical center is built on Rhine Ordnance Barracks. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Ramstein base commuters will begin testing new east gate traffic circle Saturday

Only one interior lane in each direction will open Saturday. But when it’s completed by December 2019, the new circle will be what’s called a “turbo circle."

Members of the Wiesbaden Amelia Earhart Playhouse's production of ''Annie'' preform at the 2017 TOPPERS awards in Wiesbaden, Germany, in April 2017. The TOPPERS awards season begins Feb. 23 for military theater programs in Europe. <br>Dan Stoutamire/Stars and Stripes
Members of the Wiesbaden Amelia Earhart Playhouse's production of ''Annie'' preform at the 2017 TOPPERS awards in Wiesbaden, Germany, in April 2017. The TOPPERS awards season begins Feb. 23 for military theater programs in Europe. <br>Dan Stoutamire/Stars and Stripes

Judging starts next week for Army’s version of the Tony Awards in Europe

Performers at U.S. military theaters in Europe will be playing to more than just the crowds when the annual drama competition opens next week.

The USAFE Band entertains the spectators at the 67th annual Ramstein-Miesenbach Fasching parade Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
The USAFE Band entertains the spectators at the 67th annual Ramstein-Miesenbach Fasching parade Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

Gallery

Americans get into Germany’s wacky Fasching spirit

Ramstein-Miesenbach threw its 67th annual Fasching parade, capping what’s known as carnival season in Germany with a grand display of elaborate floats, marching bands and costumed revelers.

With its high-arching stone ceiling, the downstairs area in the Schlemmerscheune in Weilerbach, Germany, looks as though it was once an old wine cellar, an atmosphere that lends some charm to the traditional German restaurant.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
With its high-arching stone ceiling, the downstairs area in the Schlemmerscheune in Weilerbach, Germany, looks as though it was once an old wine cellar, an atmosphere that lends some charm to the traditional German restaurant.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Ramstein-area restaurant Schlemmerscheune looks like a barn, tastes like a dream

The Schlemmerscheune restaurant in Weilerbach, a village near Ramstein Air Base, is aptly named. In English, it means “gourmet barn.” The building that houses the restaurant, which is connected to Hotel Degen, looks like a former barn inside. The downstairs, with high-arching stone ceilings — and the most charming place to sit — appears to be an old wine cellar. That’s the barn part. The food, meanwhile, certainly meets my definition of gourmet. In this case, that includes eating a sugar doughnut with a fork.

Senior Airman Aaron Roper and Airman 1st Class Darren Strange, both with the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, perform diagnostics on an MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft on the flightline at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Dec. 19, 2016. The Air Force on Tuesday announced the elimination of selective re-enlistment bonuses for 17 career fields.<br>J.M. Eddins Jr./U.S. Air Force
Senior Airman Aaron Roper and Airman 1st Class Darren Strange, both with the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, perform diagnostics on an MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft on the flightline at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Dec. 19, 2016. The Air Force on Tuesday announced the elimination of selective re-enlistment bonuses for 17 career fields.<br>J.M. Eddins Jr./U.S. Air Force

Air Force drops re-enlistment bonuses in 17 career fields

Air Force cryptologic language analysts who specialize in Korean or Hebrew and who are eligible to re-enlist may want to submit their paperwork now. Re-enlistment bonuses in fields across the service are going extinct.

Brian Elit inspects NASA's DC-8 Airborne Science Laboratory during pre-flight checks at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. <br>Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes
Brian Elit inspects NASA's DC-8 Airborne Science Laboratory during pre-flight checks at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. <br>Michael B. Keller/Stars and Stripes

NASA ‘flying lab’ takes to European skies for experiments with German research plane

NASA’s DC-8 “flying laboratory,” an aircraft based near Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and decked out with various sensors and intake valves, is in Germany this month to conduct joint research with the German Aerospace Center and its Airbus A320 research aircraft.

Despite an earlier blackout one AFN sports channel and a news channel began re-airing sporadically overseas, meaning that servicemembers would be able to watch the NFC and AFC championship games airing on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018.<br>Armed Forces Network
Despite an earlier blackout one AFN sports channel and a news channel began re-airing sporadically overseas, meaning that servicemembers would be able to watch the NFC and AFC championship games airing on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018.<br>Armed Forces Network

AFN programming, including NFL, among affected services for overseas military families

Defense Department personnel and their families overseas woke up over the weekend to confusion, uncertainty and some anger about how their lives would be affected by the U.S. government shutdown.But

American Red Cross offices at U.S. military bases in Europe are launching a new initiative to welcome contractors and their families working overseas, since many of them are here on their own without sponsors and base support. One of the first open houses takes place at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Tuesday, at 10 a.m. in Building 2118, fourth floor.<br>Stars and Stripes
American Red Cross offices at U.S. military bases in Europe are launching a new initiative to welcome contractors and their families working overseas, since many of them are here on their own without sponsors and base support. One of the first open houses takes place at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Tuesday, at 10 a.m. in Building 2118, fourth floor.<br>Stars and Stripes

Red Cross to roll out welcome mat to contractors and their families

The American Red Cross in Europe is trying to erase the difficulties many contractors and their spouses face in integrating into their new communities on the Continent.

U.S. Air Force Col. Ricardo Trimillos speaks with German media during the first African and European aeromedical evacuation symposium at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018.<br>
U.S. Air Force Col. Ricardo Trimillos speaks with German media during the first African and European aeromedical evacuation symposium at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018.<br>

Flying emergency rooms are classrooms for first European and Africa aeromedical symposium

More than 40 flight nurses, physicians, pilots and planners from NATO and partner countries shared their experiences in airlifting wounded and sick patients on military aircraft during the event.

Ramstein's Lydia Woodfork, left, and Stuttgart's Olivia Schmitz, the vocal ensemble's altos, belt out a number during rehearsals at the DODEA-Europe jazz seminar in Ramstein, Germany, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
Ramstein's Lydia Woodfork, left, and Stuttgart's Olivia Schmitz, the vocal ensemble's altos, belt out a number during rehearsals at the DODEA-Europe jazz seminar in Ramstein, Germany, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

Video

DODEA students get their groove on at annual jazz seminar

The annual jazz seminar for U.S. military schools in Europe is the one chance many students get to play this quintessentially American music in a group setting.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle aircraft assigned to the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron responds to an alert scramble notification at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, Sept. 4, 2017.<br> Matthew Plew/U.S. Air Force
A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle aircraft assigned to the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron responds to an alert scramble notification at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, Sept. 4, 2017.<br> Matthew Plew/U.S. Air Force

video

Air Force video shows Lakenheath fighters' intercepts of Russian aircraft

The United States will hand over the lead in NATO’s Baltic air-policing mission to Denmark next week, concluding a four-month stay in Lithuania that saw U.S. fighter jets scramble about 30 times to identify Russian aircraft flying near NATO air space, officials said.

U.S. airmen attending the 20th Force Support Squadron Senior Master Sgt. David B. Reid Airman Leadership School stand in formation inn Sumter, S.C., Nov. 11, 2017. The Air Force is throwing out performance evaluations for airman of the ranks first class and below, the service announced Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018.<br>Kathryn R.C. Reaves/U.S. Air Force
U.S. airmen attending the 20th Force Support Squadron Senior Master Sgt. David B. Reid Airman Leadership School stand in formation inn Sumter, S.C., Nov. 11, 2017. The Air Force is throwing out performance evaluations for airman of the ranks first class and below, the service announced Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018.<br>Kathryn R.C. Reaves/U.S. Air Force

Air Force eliminating EPRs for airmen first class and below

The service announced Thursday that Enlisted Performance Reports are no longer required for all active-duty airmen until they reach the rank of senior airman or have served for 36 months, regardless of grade. For reservists, EPRs will be required for senior airmen and above. The change is effective immediately.