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Team Shaw celebrates AF 67th birthday

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Bass
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Team Shaw held a celebration in honor of the Air Force's 67th Birthday here, Sept. 18.

On Sept. 18, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, which effectively separated the Air Force from the Army. This Act created a separate yet equal branch of service. From that day on, the Air Force has been a part of every U.S. combat operation.

During the celebration, Airmen led attendees in the Airman's Creed, proposed a toast to Air Force leadership, and remarks were given by Col. Bill Jones, 20th Fighter Wing vice commander. A cake cutting performed by Jones and Airman Basic Roman Chacon, 20th Force Support Squadron reenlistments and entitlements technician took place to complete the celebration.

The Air Force has a fantastic history filled with heroes from the beginning. From World War I where pilots scouted out enemy locations, to the frontlines of Afghanistan and Iraq in the modern era, the Air Force has been pivotal to the success of the United States military, said Jones.

For Airmen just beginning their service, the birthday experience left a lasting imprint.

"I'll always remember this," said Chacon. "Those who came before me paid a high price and we'll always be thankful for them."

"In 50 years, Airmen will be celebrating the birthday of the Air Force and looking back on us and what we did," said Jones, "so let's give them something great to look back on."

The Air Force is comprised of more than 680,000 Airmen, who support more than 5,600 aircraft. Today's Air Force is the world's predominant air, space and cyberspace force with the ability to rapidly adapt to uncertainty, ensuring future success.