Sheppard celebrates 62nd Air Force Birthday

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  About 1,000 Airmen and guests gathered in Hangar 1045 Sept. 19 to celebrate the Air Force's 62nd Anniversary. 

Maj. Gen. Anthony F. Przybyslawski, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command vice commander, spoke of the night as a "Re-Bluing" event. He said it reminded him of what the Air Force is all about--from airman basic to general officer, it reminded him of what a great heritage the Air Force has and that it has brought us to where it is. 

"The evening's event and the passing of another Air Force birthday left me with a renewed spirit of confidence in today's Airmen as they continue to honor our great heritage and lead us onward down the road to success," he said. "I am proud to be an Airman, always."
The night was one of remembrance for Col. Michael Hake, 82nd Training Wing vice commander. 

"Depending on when you joined, we all have different memories. But we can all take pride in the Air Force and reminisce together, remembering current friends or those that have been lost." 

The theme of this year's Air Force Ball was the future and a consistent push towards new heights. However, for many Airmen, it was also a time to remember the services heritage and look back on how far it has come in the last 62 years. 

"The Air Force heritage alone is reason enough to gather together and celebrate. It is also a chance to pass on our heritage to the new troops coming up in their Air Force careers," said Senior Master Sgt. Mark Hyden, 82nd Security Forces Squadron superintendent. 

The ball not only celebrated the Air Force's long history, but also the heritage of the Squadron Adopter Program. Starting in 1959, the program allowed businesses from the local community to sponsor squadrons on base. The Rotary Club and the Founders Lions club have been supporters since its inception. 

"Letting our Squadron Adopters know we appreciate what they have done to help sustain our force throughout the decades is so important," said Chief Mast Sgt. Kenneth Sallinger, 82nd TRW command chief. 

The night was centered around looking forward to the future and where Sheppard and the Air Force are going. 

"For me, the most important thing we have is our future and recognizing and celebrating our heritage making sure we pass down our knowledge to the Airmen rising through the ranks," said Chief Sallinger.