Adding meaning to mission

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Agneta Murnan
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  When one joins the military, one joins a team of 1.4 million military men and women, as well as the greater family that surrounds them all. That sense of being part of something bigger than oneself touches home for the 8th Flying Training Squadron.

As the Air Force commemorates its 60th year as an independent department of the United States military, the 8th FTS is strengthening its personal ties to the members and history of the original 8th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron established during World War II.

Lt. Col. Neil Woods, 8th FTS commander, has been in contact with the original commanders and members of the 8th PRS, receiving newsletters and documents about the squadron's history, and six other members of his squadron were able to join the PRS in September for the 30th and contended final reunion.

In May 2008, some of the remaining 8th PRS veterans, most between 88 and 92 years old, will come to Vance Air Force Base to dedicate the physical symbols of their pride in heritage to the 8th Flying Training Squadron.

The 8th PRS flew P-38 Lightning aircraft initially, with cameras replacing the weapons normally mounted on the aircraft. The squadron was stood down in the 1950s after it flew P-51 Mustangs in Korea, and then stood back up in 1972, when it became the 8th Flying Training Squadron here at Vance flying the T-37 Tweet.

"I got a call from retired Col. Dick Shipway, who was one of the original commanders of the squadron, asking if they could dedicate some of their squadron's banners, which have the names of the deceased members of the squadron, including those killed in action and those who have died since," Colonel Woods said.

"Col. Shipway wanted to know if we would accept them here in the flying training squadron. They wanted to have a final resting place for the banners and keep them in the squadron. Of course I was delighted to do so," Colonel Woods said.

Capt. Jeffrey Gibbens, 8th FTS executive officer, was one of the seven squadron members who attended the reunion in Dallas in September.

"The incredible hospitality, the pride they took in sharing the heritage with us really stood out to me, and we're eager to repay that hospitality here," Captain Gibbens said.

When the group arrives in May, the squadron is planning a dedication ceremony with the 8th PRS veterans. The banners, according to Colonel Woods, will go on the 8th FTS Heritage Wall located in the Bldg 179 auditorium.

"I've continuously assured them that I will display the banners proudly and keep them in top condition," Colonel Woods said.

"The pride in heritage gives my instructor pilots and students the sense that they're involved with something bigger than themselves. We can display that; it will add something to our mission," he said.