Sheppard celebrates AF 60th Anniversary

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  About 1,000 Airmen and guests huddled into Hangar 1045 Sept. 22 to celebrate the Air Force's 60th Anniversary.

A first-class meal prepared by Chef Robert Irvine from the Food Network's "Dinner: Impossible" and big band-era music from the Air Force Band of the West highlighted the much-anticipated event.

Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, 82nd Training Wing commander, said the celebration is what an Air Force that has been at war for 17 years needed to realize their rich heritage and re-commit themselves as defenders of freedom. It's also an opportunity for Sheppard members to recognize the incredible future and history they will be part of for years to come.

"I think this Birthday Ball was a real motivator for our Airmen and reminded us all of our proud heritage and the incredible institution that we are a part of," the general said.

Maj. Michelle Kastler, 382nd Training Squadron and event point of contact, described the ball as being a "stupendous" and "smashingly" successful venture for all involved. She said there must have been a higher power involved in its success because, from the event committee's perspective, there were a few adversities that didn't appear to have a resolution.

But, she said someone somewhere did what the Air Force has done since Sept. 18, 1947.

"They knew they weren't going to get the glory, but they stepped up and did it," she said. "That's what the Air Force does."

Not only were people answering the call when something needed to be accomplished making the event successful, but also some in attendance really took on the challenge of re-creating an early-Air Force hangar ball. She said a lot of the spouses in attendance wore hair styles from the day and dressed up in era clothes.

"People were really getting into it," Major Kastler said. "My husband actually wore a zoot suit," she recalled, describing the angular suit with a wide-brimmed hat.

As heritage video played on two large screens to the left and right of the dining set up, guests in vintage Air Force uniforms moved about, visiting with one another.

One guest, Tech Sgt. Dawn Hart of the 82nd Dental Squadron, said she knew the event would be impressive, but didn't realize how impressive it would be. She said it was a great way to celebrate the Air Force's birthday.

"There was a lot of creativity to put this together," she said. "To transform that hangar was awesome. I really did feel like we were back (in the 1940s)."

The creativity was truly awe-inspiring. A T-6A Texan, F-16 Falcon and T-38C Talon, symbolizing Sheppard's role in air power, were on display as guests made their way from the parking lot to Hangar 1045. A replica of the Air Force Memorial in Washington, D.C., stood at the entrance of the event and displays of Air Force heritage since 1947 adorned the facility.

Sergeant Hart said her favorite portion of the evening was when Sheppard members in various uniforms worn by the Air Force since Sept. 18, 1947, got on the dance floor and danced to swing music played by the Band of the West.

General Devereaux said the celebration portrayed the very essence of the Air Force.

"The success of our (Air Force) Ball is a direct reflection of the quality of our Sheppard Airmen," he said. "What happened here is typical of our Air Force culture - commanders set high expectations, and innovative Airmen figure out ways to exceed them - and 'Do Something Amazing' in our Air Force."