Vance and Enid celebrate Air Force’s birthday with fly-in, food trucks, music and a very nice cake Published Sept. 26, 2025 By Airman 1st Class Jordan Sillence 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Military and civilians from Vance Air Force Base and the city of Enid, Oklahoma, gathered at Enid-Woodring Regional Airport Sept. 13 to celebrate the Air Force’s 78th birthday with a Red, White and Blue Birthday Fly-in. The fly-in, supported by the city and community vendors, provided a way for Team Vance to give back to the people of Enid for their continued support of the base. This connection was on display as aircraft from civilian organizations were showcased alongside military trainers and flight simulators. Bases around the world celebrate the Air Force birthday with a formal ball. But Vance’s partnership with Enid inspired a tradition of its own – a birthday fly-in. The event thanks Enid for welcoming Vance Air Force Base into its community through city events and support for Air Force functions. T-6A Texan IIs and T-38C Talons from Vance were present as static planes and as part of a flyover formation with a T-1A Jayhawk. The base also brought simulators for families to enjoy the experience of flight in virtual reality. Civilian vendors brought food trucks from restaurants and cafes around Oklahoma. Civilian aviation organizations set up their static aircraft next to Barnstormers, the restaurant at Woodring airport. Music and entertainment was provided by Blasier Pro, and a live local band, The Peachtrees. During the birthday celebration, the cake cutting was uniquely Air Force. Vance’s youngest and oldest Airmen, Airman Luke Lopez and Lt. Col. Kellie Bond, joined the City of Enid’s mayor, David Mason, 71st Flying Training Wing commander, Col. Joshua Lundeby, and the wing’s command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Harvey McReynolds Jr., in cutting the birthday cake with a ceremonial saber.