Warriors celebrate 60 years of Air Force heritage

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eydie Sakura
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  More than 700 people attended Malmstrom's "Heritage to Horizons" Air Force 60th Anniversary Ball at the 3-Bay Hangar Sept. 15. Maj. Gen. Thomas Deppe, Air Force Space Command vice commander, was the guest speaker for the event that also celebrated the silver anniversary of the command. 

"We have a lot to celebrate," General Deppe said. "Not only is it the anniversary of the Air Force and Space Command, but it is also the 65th anniversary of the 341st Space Wing. The 341st Bomb Group stood up Sept. 15, 1942. Today we are as important as we've ever been." 

The general continued, saying Malmstrom plays an active role as the last line of defense for the United States. Forces here are protecting the country around-the-clock. 

"We've been at war for 50 years and we deploy a lot of people," he said. "The Air Force is modernizing its force and keeping the weapons systems up and running. We're working to find better ways to be more efficient in the way we do business. I'm very proud to be a part of your team." 

It took a team effort to make the evening a success, and Capt. Jessica Holmes, 490th Missile Squadron and Air Force Ball Association logistics chairperson. It took more than eight months and the help of hundreds of volunteers to plan and execute the ball, she said. 

Captain Holmes said the planning committee really wanted to focus on the "Heritage to Horizons" theme including the decorations and layout of the hangar. 

"One half of the room reflected the Air Force past with a green and gold theme while the other half reflected the modern day Air Force and its future with blue and silver decorations." 

There was also an Air Force heritage section that showcased uniforms and military artifacts ranging from World War I to present. 

"This is my personal collection," said Senior Master Sgt. Jerry Hanes, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron first sergeant. "I enjoy collecting military memorabilia and this is a great way to present my collection." 

Sergeant Hanes never wandered far from the display area as countless onlookers kept him busy with questions about the uniforms. One long-time Air Force member also reminisced about days gone by while speaking to the crowd. 

"I had an Airman ask me how long I've been in the Air Force," General Deppe said. "It's been just over 40 years,' I told him, and that Airman said to me, 'Wow, that's more than two-thirds of the Air Force's existence.' He made a good point. I look over at that heritage display, and I think I wore each of those uniforms." 

After the audience had a good chuckle, General Deppe said he wanted to read something that was long overdue, in his eyes. It was "The Airman's Creed," which begins with: "I am an American Airman. I am a Warrior. I have answered my nation's call." At the end of his address, the more than 700 people in attendance gave a standing ovation, energized by a swell of pride that swept through the hangar in celebration of the Air Force and its heritage.