Team Vance celebrates Air Force's 66th birthday Published Sept. 25, 2013 VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Three hundred Vance Airmen and their guests gathered at the Enid Convention Center Sept. 21 to celebrate the Air Force's 66th birthday. The Air Force Ball included a live jazz band and a local acting troupe performing skits with an Air Force history theme. The evening of celebration began when Col. Darren James, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, instructed the Silver Talon Honor Guard to post the colors. A flag representing each branch of military service was posted as that service song was played. The Honor Guard then arranged the items on the POW/MIA table, an important military tradition at special celebrations. An empty seat was leaned forward at each service's place at the table. "I thought the honor guard was impressive," said 2nd Lt. James Brock, the coordinator for the ball. "Everything was sharp and crisp." Guests, commanders and the command chief were introduced following the posting of the colors and POW/MIA ceremony. During dinner, retired Maj. Gen. Lorraine Potter, the first female military chaplain to be promoted to the rank of colonel, was introduced as the guest speaker. Potter spoke about challenges all Airmen face in their careers and the unique ways people come together as a team to overcome them. The Air Force birthday cake was cut simultaneously by Vance's youngest Airman, Airman 1st Class Quindarion Sand, and the wing commander. Formal festivities were concluded with the singing of the Air Force Song. An evening of dancing and birthday celebration followed.