Veterans Day events recognize AF's 60th anniversary

  • Published
  • By Jim Malachowski
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Historian
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  The Enid High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps color guard helped Team Vance kick off the Air Force's 60th anniversary commemoration locally by carrying the ceremonial anniversary flag on two occasions with a Vance presence over Veteran's Day weekend.

Friday, Colonel Klumpp, 71st Flying Training Wing commander, spoke to a Veterans Day assembly of Enid High students honoring those who have served and thanking those who carry the torch of freedom in our nation's military today. Saturday, the wing commander was honored as the Enid Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshall.

"Today," the colonel told the students, "men and women serving in our armed forces are at work around the world. They follow the path of veterans before them, working for the same purpose - a secure and lasting peace."

That tradition will be recognized over the next twelve months with events commemorating 60 years of global air and space power as an independent Air Force.
The National Security Act of 1947 directed that the United States Air Force "be organized, trained and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained offensive and defensive air operations."

In the six decades since the Honorable W. Stuart Symington took his oath of office as the first Secretary of the Air Force, a proud heritage of ingenuity, courage and resolve has been built.

Over the next year, the Air Force and the wing will host monthly events recognizing the history and heritage of the Air Force.

Vance and the Air Force will honor the dedication and contributions of Airmen who pioneered the skies before us while defending the ideals of freedom and democracy. The sacrifices of our fallen Airmen who gave their all in a cause bigger than themselves will also be remembered.

In 2007, Team Vance will build on the best qualities ingrained into our culture by involving the total force of active, reserve, civilians and contractors, as it marks not just the Air Force's 60th anniversary, but Vance AFB's 66 years of training pilots.

Wing events will culminate with an Air Force Ball Sept. 22 at the Cherokee Strip Conference Center. The Air Force brings its observances to a close with the Nellis Air Force Base airshow in November.