Air Force Week Atlanta kicks off

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Ben Gonzales
  • Air Force Print News
ATLANTA (AFPN) --  Air Force Week Atlanta began with the reading of the proclamation order Oct. 8 at the Marietta Conference Center here, announcing the Oct. 8 through Oct. 14 dates amid a race car, motorcycle, fighter plane flyovers, a band, Airmen and citizens of the Peach State.

Signed by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue and read by Army Maj. Gen. William T. Nesbitt, the assistant adjutant general of Georgia, the proclamation paid tribute to the Airmen who fight to ensure the safety of the nation.

On display at the ceremony were the Air Force NASCAR auto, the Air Force motorcycle and a mini C-130 Hercules. The Air Force Band of the Reserve played musical selections and four F-16 Fighting Falcons flew over the conference center following the national anthem while Air Force and Georgia leaders saw the people and equipment of the Air Force firsthand.

The ceremony was not only a chance for the people of Georgia to honor the men and women who serve in the Air Force, but also a chance to recognize some of the newest Airmen as nine local recruits were sworn into the Air Force.

"The blessings of freedom and democracy we enjoy today are the direct result of the courage and sacrifices by the Airmen in the Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve," General Nesbitt said. "Each day our Airmen endure hardships, confront danger, and sometimes die in defense of our nation. We owe them our unwavering support in their resolute effort to ensure that our values and our way of life are not destroyed."

Rep. Phil Gingrey said he was not surprised Air Force officials selected Atlanta to culminate the Air Force's 60th anniversary, the sixth and last city to celebrate an Air Force Week this year. Approximately 26,000 Georgians serve in the Air Force today.

Past, present and future Airmen were on hand for the proclamation reading, including Maj. Gen. Martin M. Mazick, the 22nd Air Force commander; Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley; and former Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray. Enlisting the newest Air Force recruits was Maj. Gen. Scott Hammond, the commander of the Georgia Air National Guard.

Seventeen-year-old Charity Pulliam, one of the newest recruits, is in her first year of college at Middle Georgia Technical College. After being home schooled and finishing high school early, she said she wanted to start her life in a good way.

"My parents serve in the Air Force," said Ms. Pulliam, a future aerospace medic whose father, Reserve Staff Sgt. Mark Pulliam, serves with the 94th Aerial Port Squadron at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. "They influenced me to join, slightly. Serving in the Air Force will help me get a good foundation for living my life."

With the realization of her commitment to serve, Ms. Pulliam's eyes welled up. As her first tear rolled down her cheek, Chief McKinley was there to encourage and congratulate Ms. Pulliam on her decision to enlist.

"It is important to recognize the many great Americans who are enlisting at this time of war," said Chief McKinley, who has a son serving at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. "We need to say, 'Thank you,' for those enlisting to serve our country. Our recruiters are doing a great job in getting great Americans to join, and it all starts with parents at home raising great children and instilling a sense of pride."

"It was very uplifting to see her enlist in the Air Force," said Sergeant Pulliam, who has four other children. "I am an extreme advocate of the Air Force core values, and I hope the Air Force turns into a family tradition."

The tradition of serving still calls for Chief Murray. After hanging up his uniform following 29 years of service, the former chief master sergeant of the Air Force still represents the Air Force. He is the president of the Air Force Association chapter in the Atlanta area and works at Lockheed Martin, involved with the F-22 Raptor program.

"Once an Airman, always an Airman," the chief said. Representing the Air Force is a "fulfilling part of life, which I will continue to do as long as the Lord allows me to. I am taking the skills and capabilities learned from the Air Force and giving them back to help the Airmen, Defense Department and our nation."

Planned events for Air Force Week Atlanta include performances by the Air Force's Tops in Blue premier entertainment unit, HH-60 Pave Low helicopter demonstrations at area high schools, a legal symposium at the University of Georgia at Athens, Airmen and equipment demonstrations at the Great Georgia Air Show, and an Air Force ball to conclude the week. 

Comment on this story   (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page