Drill team begins 'Birthday Tour'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Daniel DeCook
  • 844th Communications Group
BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, D.C. (AFPN) --  The Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team is celebrating the service's 60th anniversary with their "Birthday Tour" in communities across the United States.

The team performed Sept. 14 at New Mexico's all-state Air Force Ball for services members from Holloman, Cannon and Kirtland Air Force bases. Next, the team headed to North Carolina where they performanced Sept. 16 for a crowd of thousands during halftime at the NFL's Carolina Panthers vs. Houston Texans game.

While the purpose of the tour is to highlight the Air Force's 60th birthday, each leg gives the team a chance to perform in front of a different audience. 

For the New Mexico trip, held at a resort near Kirtland AFB, the drill team performed for more than 1,000 Airmen and their families. The audience stood in silence as the team marched in, but by the end of the show the crowd was clapping and cheering.

They next traveled across the country, bringing the Air Force's birthday celebration to the 50-yard line at the Bank of America Stadium, home of the North Carolina Panthers. The drill team performed at halftime, showcasing their routine in front of thousands of football fans and sharing their Air Force pride with everyone in attendance.

"I couldn't be happier hosting the drill team to celebrate the Air Force's 60th Anniversary," said Annie Hodges, NFL Carolina Panthers entertainment coordinator, "It is an honor to see the Airmen perform and bring their energy and passion for the Air Force in front of our fans." 

Next, the drill team will join with Tops in Blue at the official Air Force birthday celebration Sept. 18 at the Pentagon, hosted by Defense Secretary Robert Gates. They will also be joined by Air Force senior leaders at a cake-cutting ceremony with the Air Force's most senior and junior time-in-service Airmen.

The birthday celebration continues with the team returning home to perform Sept. 24 at the Global Air Chiefs Conference hosted by the 11th Wing at Bolling AFB. The team will perform at the 60th Anniversary Tattoo at the Air Force Ceremonial Lawn here.

"While our job always includes highlighting the Air Force around the world, we take special pride in helping the Air Force celebrate this milestone," said Capt. Joshua Hawkins, Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team commander.

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