Team BLAZE celebrates 63rd Air Force birthday

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jacob Corbin
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Columbus AFB Airmen, spouses, guests and community members gathered Sept. 10 to celebrate 63 years of Air Force history at the annual Air Force Ball held downtown at the Trotter Convention Center.

Attendees were treated to an evening of food, music, camaraderie, cake and mentoring from guest speaker Gen. Donald Hoffman, Air Force Materiel Command commander.

"For 63 years, it has been a challenge, but through that whole time, we have been the best Air Force in the world," General Hoffman said.

General Hoffman said that through the years some things change, but while we should always be ready to embrace change, some things will never change.

"Our mission is to fly fight and win, and that will not change, no matter what domain we do it in," he said.

While guests dined or spoke with friends, they were treated to music played by members of the Air Force Band of the Reserve's, Reserve Generation band. Reserve Generation performs a mix of contemporary adult songs, rhythm and blues, jazz, and country. They also perform hits from the 60's to today's Billboard Magazine Hot 100 listing to include rock, rap, and hip-hop.

While the evening's festivities were available to entertain attendees, the reason for the ball was at the forefront of everything.

"A connection to the past, a connection to our heritage, is important," General Hoffman said.

For four consecutive years, Columbus Air Force Base has held a ball to celebrate the birthday of the U.S. Air Force.

The Department of the Air Force was created when President Harry S Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947. It became effective Sept. 18, 1947, when Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson administered the oath of office to the first secretary of the Air Force, W. Stuart Symington, a position filled by presidential appointment.

Since then, Sept. 18 has been viewed and treated as the youngest service's "birthday."

General Hoffman said one thing has been responsible for the success of the Air Force since it's inception - it's people.

He said all the best technology and weaponry in the world means nothing without quality men and women.

"Since day one, it has been all about leadership ... all about people," General Hoffman said. "The future is in your hands."

"Happy birthday, United States Air Force."