RAMSTEIN-MIESENBACH, Germany - German visitors checking out a U.S. Army medical triage display at the Rheinland-Pfalz Tag state fair were surprised to hear Americans speaking their language.
As they ratcheted tourniquets onto a wounded training dummy, Capt. Tiffany Schnakenberg a U.S. Army Reserve Soldier from the Medical Support Unit-Europe explained how many Reserve Soldiers live and work in Europe and have married local people.
"It helps that we've learned their language," said Schnakenberg, a Texas native who taught herself German, lives in northern Germany and is married to a German citizen. "It's also helps that we are very interactive and we have cool stuff. They don't often see things like this."
Soldiers from the U.S. Army Reserve's 7th Civil Support Command and several active-duty units from the 21st Theater Sustainment Command took part in the fair.
Neon orange hazardous material suits attracted passersby into the 773rd Civil Support Team tent, where Staff Sgt. Shawn McKenna explained how Soldiers in his unit are experts in reacting to chemical, biological and radiological incidents.
"It's a great chance for us to explain what we can do for the Army and for the local government," said Staff Sgt. Shawn McKenna, 32, of Maine, a member of the 773rd Civil Support Team. "While we are explaining this to the local national visitors, we've also have American military members ask because they don't know what it is that we do."
Nearby, a German boy clutched a helium-filled balloon as Pfc. Zachary Cobbs, 25, of Watsonville, California, hoisted the youngster into the cab the truck he drives for the Kaiserslautern-based, 66th Transportation Company. Crowds cheered as Soldiers and K9 working dogs from the 18th Military Police Brigade displayed their ability to apprehend suspects.
Parachute riggers from the Rhine Ordnance Barracks-based 5th Quartermaster Company helped German visitors try on parachutes and showed how they pack parachutes for dropping heavy gear and vehicles during airborne drops. Soldiers from the Miesau-based 212th Combat Support Hospital displayed their medical capabilities. Also on hand were Soldiers from the 39th Transportation Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade.
Senior leaders also visited the U.S. Army Europe Soldiers at the fair. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Duane A. Gamble, commander of the 21st TSC, and Lt. Gen. Noel T. "Tom" Jones, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa vice commander and Kaiserslautern Military Community commander stopped by the military plaza, adjacent to the Reichswald Stadium on Schernauer Straße.
Also on display were vehicles and equipment from the U.S. Air Force and Germany military units stationed in Rheinland-Pfalz.
The three-day fair began June 26 in the village of Ramstein-Miesenbach, adjacent to Ramstein Air Base. Along the roadsides, local organizations set up booths and presentations, to include nearby industry, environmental efforts and tourist spots. Traditional German food and drinks were sold at stalls throughout the town. Several stages had live music and dancing. This year, Ramstein is also celebrating its 800th anniversary.
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