Airmen celebrate Air Force's 61st birthday

Published Sept. 22, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Vesta Anderson
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla -- Two days after observing the U.S. Air Force's 61st birthday, Tyndall Air Force Base Airmen and guests gathered for the 2008 Air Force Ball to help celebrate "Air Dominance through the Ages," at the Tyndall AFB Touch and Go club Sept. 20.

Draped in gowns, tuxedos and mess dress, Team Tyndall began the night with toasts to the American Flag, the queen of Canada, the President of the United States, the chief of the Canadian air force, the U.S. Air Force chief of staff and all honored guests.

The formal event's head table sat 325th Fighter Wing leadership and the evening's special guest speaker, Gen. (Ret.) T. Michael Moseley, the 18th U.S. Air Force chief of staff. General Moseley was formerly the most senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training and equipage of nearly 700,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the U.S. and overseas.

All guests enjoyed a four-course dinner, topped off with an enormous 'birthday' cake, before Brig. Gen. Darryl Roberson, 325th Fighter Wing commander, stepped up to introduce the guest speaker and highlight some of his personal and professional accomplishments.

General Moseley's career accomplishments include graduating from Texas A&M University, piloting the T-37 Tweet and the F-15 Eagle, commanding at group, wing and major command levels, and being knighted by the British government.

"Let me start off by saying thanks to all of ya'll," said General (Ret.) Moseley. "The National Defense Act of 1947, signed by (former President) Harry Truman, created an independent Air Force and to all of those who have worn the uniform before us and now - we've never looked back. Thank you for what you do every day. Thank you for being a part of the world's finest Air Force."

The four-star general spoke about Air Force history, current events and future trials the U.S. will face in coming years. He closed his comments with confidence in today's military capabilities and the Air Force's strength.

"I believe in this business that we're in on the 61st anniversary of our service..." said the retired general. "...This is a great wing and a great location. God bless you and God bless the Air Force."

The National Security Act of 1947 became law on July 26, 1947, climaxing a 40-year effort for a separate air arm. The act created the Department of the Air Force, officially 'born' Sept. 18, 1947, to be headed by a Secretary of the Air Force. Under the Department of the Air Force, the act established the United States Air Force, headed by the Air Force chief of staff.