RAMSTEIN, Germany - Soldiers from the 18th Military Police Brigade taught self defense techniques to airmen on Ramstein Air Base Feb. 11.
Head instructor Sgt. 1st Class Ronnell Foster, 18th MP Bde. operations noncommissioned officer, and a native of Detroit, Mich.; Ty Leblanc, civilian instructor and a native of Detroit, Mich.; Spc. Frank Vazquez, 92nd MP Company NCO and a native of San Diego, Calif.; and Pfc. Darius Lesane, 92nd MP Co. NCO and a native of Jacksonville, Fla., taught the self defense class to 13 airmen.
This is Foster’s second class he has taught since beginning the program in November 2013.
During the class, Foster informed the airmen that anybody, regardless of gender or size, can be assaulted if they don’t maintain proper awareness.
“Situational awareness is always the best defense; the buddy system is also important,” said Foster.
The fighting techniques taught in the class were vulnerable striking areas, proper striking techniques and defense from the front and back.
The airmen expressed their enjoyment of the class and also stated their appreciation for Foster’s knowledge and experience.
“Sgt. 1st Class Foster and his assistants were very informative,” said Air Force Capt. Brenda Miazga, a registered nurse with the 48 Royal Air Force Lakenheath Medical Group and a native of Pueblo, Colo.
“I appreciated having a female viewpoint with a can do attitude,” she said of co-instructor Leblac.
“The class was very informative with a great instructor,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Tammy Pierce, 52nd Medical Operations Squadron and a native of Natchez, Miss. “I loved every minute. I learned so much, and the moves that I learned can help save my life.”
Air Force Staff Sgt. Spencer Robinson, 86th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility medical logistician and a native of Park Forest, Ill., also expressed his appreciation.
“This is the best training I’ve had in the nine years I have been in the military,” he said.