Living legends celebrate Air Force heritage

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tessa Cubbon
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
Wearing an Air Force uniform from the 1960s is a completely different experience from seeing a black and white picture of one in a text book.

Living Legends will soon offer Airmen here the opportunity to experience what it was like to wear heavy cotton khaki uniforms instead of a camouflage battle dress uniform or a service cap instead of a flight cap with their blues. The organization, started at Dover Air Force Base, Del., in 2000, is a group of active-duty Airmen who wear vintage Air Force uniforms to honor those who have served in the past and tie the Air Force's past to its future.

“We built on the program until it had at least 12 to 20 members dressed up in vintage Air Force uniforms,” said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Brejcha, 90th Mission Support Group superintendent.

Living Legends don vintage Air Force uniforms during events such as Air Force milestones, Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Observance Day, senior noncommissioned officer induction ceremonies and annual awards ceremonies. Airmen perform normal, everyday duties in the throw-back attire, like checking identification at the front gate in honor of the Air Force birthday.

“It’s amazing watching a civilian pull up (who has) worn that uniform from the Korean War or the Vietnam War,” the chief said. “They are just flabbergasted; they are in awe of what we’re doing.”

The organization does not restrict their presence to military bases. While the chief was stationed at Altus AFB, Okla., Living Legends performed during a fundraiser dinner for the traveling Vietnam wall coming to the community.

“If this catches on here, we’ll be asked to appear all over the community,” Chief Brejcha said.

Locating uniforms is the key to putting the program together here.

“We’re looking for uniforms from World War II to Operation Desert Storm -- but especially rare are female uniforms, missileer uniforms, 1950s Ike jackets and khakis,” the chief said. “Officer or enlisted uniforms are accepted as well as pieces and parts. I will take any and all donations.”

However, the program is not all about the uniform; it is about the person and the history behind it.

Chief Brejcha challenges each Airman wearing a vintage uniform to learn about the person who wore it and the uniform itself. People who donate uniforms are honored during Living Legend events, especially if they are in the local area.

“Living Legends is important because it recognizes the contributions of those who have served in the past and are still living in the local area,” said Tech Sgt. Shawn Davis, 90th Mission Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of personnel relocation and member of the Living Legends program.

The response Airmen in the program have received, especially from seasoned veterans, has been overwhelming.

“You have a sense of pride that you’re honoring (our veteran’s) efforts with the Air Force that has led us to what we have now -- the greatest Air Force in the world,” Chief Brejcha said. “They had a part to play in that, and when we wear (a vintage) uniform, we honor that era and the contributions men and women made during that era.” (Courtesy of Air Force Space Command News Service)