Bagram Airmen celebrate Air Force's 60th birthday

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Craig Seals
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  Airmen celebrated the Air Force's 60th birthday at a dinner and celebration held Sept. 8 at Bagram Air Base.

Festivities included a POW/MIA/Fallen Comrade Ceremony, several slide shows and videos focusing on the advancement of airpower since its inception, and a guest speaker, Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Kennedy, director of the Air Component Coordination Element from Kabul, Afghanistan.

The anniversary dinner was put together by the 60th Anniversary Ball Committee, whose members came from several other Camp Cunningham organizations. Bagram's Top 3, Bagram's Chief's Group, Bagram's First Sergeant Council, Route 56 (middle tier organization) and the Airmen Committed to Excellence were all part of the committee, led by Master Sgt. Kevin Drake, the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group first sergeant. 

"It was challenging to put an event like this together in a combat zone," he said. "But the volunteers worked incredibly hard to make this happen."

The evening's celebration took place in a large clamshell tent, complete with patriotic streamers, Air Force decorations and live music provided by the Combined Joint Task Force-82 Band.

"Our Airman's Creed states that 'I am faithful to a proud heritage.' That's exactly why it's important to put an event like this together; to showcase that proud heritage to the men and women of the Air Force who, on a daily basis, are adding to that proud heritage," Sergeant Drake said.

Part of that heritage was in edible form, with a large cake showcasing the Air Force's 60th anniversary logo. Before the evening was underway, Airmen lined up for photos with the enormous cake.

"You are all part of this proud heritage. You will remember your time at Bagram for the rest of your lives," General Kennedy said. "I'm so thrilled to be part of this international effort to bring peace and prosperity to the nation of Afghanistan. America's ground forces are the best in the world, but what gives them the advantage is the asymmetric air and space dominance that only the United States Air Force can provide."

The general wrapped up his speech by reminding everyone of the importance of their mission in Operation Enduring Freedom.

"It takes professionals, like you, to get the job done," he said. "You guys are making the mission happen." 

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