Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne took time to thank the men and women of the Pacific Air Forces before their sold out ball to celebrate the Air Force’s 59th birthday at a Waikiki hotel on Sept. 23. The secretary reminded Airmen that the first official event of the 60th year will be the dedication of the Air Force Memorial in October. Pacific Air Forces commander Gen. Paul V. Hester hosted the ball. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Anthony Kuhn)

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Secretary Wynne speaks at PACAF birthday ball

Published Sept. 24, 2006
By Senior Airman Anthony Kuhn
AFN Hawaii News Bureau

WAIKIKI, Hawaii (AFPN) -- With the theme "Heritage to Horizons" -- to highlight the achievements of its Airmen -- Pacific Air Forces hosted the 59th Air Force birthday ball.

Keynote speaker at the Sept. event was Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne. Pacific Air Forces commander Gen. Paul V. Hester hosted the sold out event Sept. 23.

"This is one of the largest gatherings I have seen celebrating the birthday of our Air Force. I just want to congratulate all the Airmen, all of our leadership and all the civilians here tonight to basically assist me and General Hester in celebrating the Air Force's 59th birthday," the secretary said.

During his address, Secretary Wynne reminded everyone of the expanse of the Pacific region and that Pacific Air Forces helps provide security so the region can enjoy peace and prosperity, interchange and commerce across an almost boundless ocean.

At the ball, Maj. Brad Bistodeau said, "I've never had an event where Secretary Wynne or any secretary of the Air Force attended. It's kind of interesting for me to come out and hear what the secretary has to say."

The evening ended with the Air Force Band of the Pacific playing songs highlighting the Air Force's almost six decades as a separate service.

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