Team Vance celebrates the Air Force’s 62nd birthday Published Sept. 18, 2009 By Joe B. Wiles 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- "No other Air Force on the face of this earth can dominate air, space and cyberspace like we can," said Col. Chris Nowland, 71st Flying Training Wing commander, during a celebration of the U.S. Air Force's 62nd birthday at Vance AFB, Okla. Members of Team Vance gathered in the atrium of Bldg. 500 for an early morning cutting of a birthday cake, some punch and a chorus of the Air Force song. The first slice of cake was cut by the newest member of the Air Force at Vance, Airman Basic Shakon Smith from Cordele, Ga. She enlisted March 29 this year and works in medical records with the 71st Medical Group. "There is a lot to be proud of on our 62nd birthday," Colonel Nowland said. "Whether you process finance forms, defend our gates or control our air traffic, you are a part of a big team that does great things." Colonel Nowland said that what makes being a member of the Air Force special is the ability to serve. He gave a special thanks to the younger members who joined the Air Force while the nation was at war. "We have 54 members of this wing deployed," he said. They join the 40,000 members Air Force wide that are downrange. "We are thankful for the service of these Airmen," he said. The ceremony ended with the singing of the Air Force song, a tradition at Vance.