Citizen Airman trains in Germany

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brandy L. Grace
  • 911th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  He sits in the passenger terminal area of the Ramstein Air Base airport. He describes the happiness traveling brings him, and his interest in exploring German culture while he's in country.

A voice over the intercom starts speaking loudly, cutting him off in mid-sentence. The Airman behind the mic is explaining to passengers what documents are required for each type of travel. He pauses and then begins speaking loudly so his voice can be heard over the intercom.

"As part of our training I had to make this same announcement. It's really long," said Airman 1st Class Patrick J. Lokhaiser, an air transportation journeyman with the 32nd Aerial Port Squadron.

Lokhaiser, 21, is one of several Airmen from the 911th Airlift Wing completing their annual tour at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

"I liked that I was able to come to Germany for training," said Lokhaiser, "but I think my dad was happier for me."

A descendent of German immigrants, Lokhaiser said his father was so excited about him coming to Germany that he asked him to bring home dirt from the "fatherland."

During his time at Ramstein, Lokhaiser is training on aspects of the Passenger Air Terminal (PAX) mission. The Butler, Pennsylvania native had previously completed training for the ramp and cargo areas of his career field; however, he hasn't completed PAX training yet.

"We don't have an active PAX mission back in Pittsburgh," said Tech. Sgt. Douglas T. Balin, Lokhaiser's supervisor and the aerial port team chief with the 32nd APS here. "Ramstein is known for the quality training they give, and they have a lot of missions coming through."

Ramstein Air Base is comparable to a civil airport. The base is the premier hub of U.S. forces, and hundreds of military members transit through every year.



With so many customers, aerial porters at Ramstein's PAX aim to ensure their passengers and cargo get where they need to, safely and efficiently. Lokhaiser is no exception.

"He works really hard, and he's known for being a smart and intelligent Airman," said Balin, referring to Lokhaiser.

Lokhaiser says his work ethic was passed down from his father who always stressed the importance of giving your all, no matter what the task is. His father also instilled in him the importance of education.

During the week Lokhaiser attends Butler County Community College where he is pursuing a degree in parks and recreation management.

"I'm an outdoor guy; I love hunting and fishing," said Lokhaiser. "I can't see myself working behind a desk."

Lokhaiser's Air Force career has been anything but behind a desk. Aerial porters account for and manage aircraft contents, including every piece of cargo and any and all people onboard. Along with tending to passengers and assisting them in boarding and deplaning, they inspect, weigh, pack, and re-weigh every item carried.

Maintaining proficiency in the aerial port career field takes a lot of dedication and time. That training time, for a reservist, is limited. As a first-term Airman, Lokhaiser is utilizing his short time at Ramstein to gain invaluable experience working PAX.

"The more junior Airman gain the most knowledge on these tours," said Balin. "They get to work in an active-duty environment at a much faster pace."

Lokhaiser doesn't seem to mind the fast pace. His plans for the future include him juggling a variety of things. When he isn't attending college, fulfilling his Air Force commitment, or spending his time hunting and fishing, Lokhaiser says he would like to explore the world.

"I'm free to travel," said Lokhaiser. "I'm okay with wherever the wind takes me."