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Heritage display

Senior Airman Rachel Davis, 28th Operational Weather Squadron forecaster, gives a brief history of the squadron by a guide-on flag and some squadron memorabilia in the 28th OWS lobby, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 6, 2012. Volunteers from the 28th OWS created an Air Force memorabilia display in their lobby to help squadron members and visitors gain a sense of pride in their heritage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Phelps/Released)

Heritage display

World War II enlisted and officer uniforms are displayed in a case in the 28th Operational Weather Squadron lobby, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 6, 2012. Volunteers from the 28th OWS created an Air Force memorabilia display in their lobby to help squadron members and visitors gain a sense of pride in their heritage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Phelps/Released)

Heritage display

An original 1942 Hap Arnold poster hangs in the lobby of the 28th Operational Weather Squadron along with other historical Air Force photos, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 6, 2012. Volunteers from the 28th OWS created an Air Force memorabilia display in their lobby to help squadron members and visitors gain a sense of pride in their heritage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Phelps/Released)

Heritage display

Old weather squadron patches and forecasting equipment are displayed in the 28th Operational Weather Squadron’s lobby, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 6, 2012 Volunteers from the 28th OWS created an Air Force memorabilia display in their lobby to help squadron members and visitors gain a sense of pride in their heritage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Phelps/Released)

AF heritage

Airman 1st Class Matthew Toney, 28th Operational Weather Squadron forecaster, looks over an old weather map in the 28th OWS lobby, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 6, 2012. Volunteers from the 28th OWS created an Air Force memorabilia display in their lobby to help squadron members and visitors gain a sense of pride in their heritage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Phelps/Released)

AF history displayed at Shaw weather squadron

Published April 18, 2012
By Senior Airman Daniel Phelps
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs -- "I am faithful to a proud heritage and a legacy of valor." Every Airman has heard, if not said these very words. They are from the Airman's Creed.

Heritage and legacy are the first things people see as they walk into the lobby of the 28th Operational Weather Squadron.

Proudly hanging on the walls of the 28th OWS are photos of Airmen throughout history, some official photos, some of Airmen saluting, others of them doing their day-to-day job, defending America's freedom. On one wall hangs an original 1942 General of the Air Force Hap Arnold poster.

That pride and history even become further specific to the squadron. On another wall hangs an old barometer and in a case are World War II uniforms from a weather officer and an enlisted weather observer.

Also encased are original weather squadron patches, newspapers from WW II, a letter from 1945 when the 28th OWS was officially established, weather visual aids from 1941 and other memorabilia.

Most of the items were donated to the 28th OWS by Chief Master Sgt. Craig Kirwin, Air Combat Command weather operations division enlisted functional manager, when he was stationed here.

"I've never seen such an impressive Air Force weather history spread outside of the Air Force Weather Agency heritage display," remarked Lt. Col. Jeff Jarry, 28th OWS commander. "For the chief to leave this to us is phenomenal."

When people come through the 28th OWS, said Senior Airman Rachel Davis, a forecaster, and see the display, they are fascinated by it, particularly veterans.

Kirwin started the display when he was stationed at the 28th OWS in 2009, the chief recalled. It was originally in a different room and took about a year to finish.

"I have always been interested in history and respected the military, even when I was a little boy," Kirwin said. "I started collecting military memorabilia when I was young, (and) I started focusing on weather around 2001."

Though Kirwin donated the items, it was a group effort to put the display together, he said.

"The display was built by many people, not just me," he reiterated. "There were many different Airmen and civilians who helped out by painting (the display room), finding and moving furniture, hanging pictures and organizing the displays. "

The reason he donated the items to the 28th OWS is because the squadron level is where the Airmen are, the chief said.

"I want Airmen to know and be proud of their heritage," Kirwin emphasized. "A lot of (people) have made (us) what we . . . are today. I want them to love (their history) and it wouldn't have the same effect outside the squadron."

Many who walk into the 28th OWS's building do understand and appreciate the legacy, Davis added. "It definitely makes me happy to work in a place that relishes its history."