Air Force celebrates 68th birthday Published Sept. 18, 2015 By Senior Airman Kyle Gese 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sheppard celebrated the Air Force's 68th birthday with music, cake and beverages, at the Sheppard Club, Sept. 18, 2015. 82nd Training Wing and the 80th Flying Training Wing leadership provided comments during the event focused on the heritage and sacrifices of the Air Force's history. The event garnered nearly 250 Airmen to the club to recognize the Air Force, but also for an evening of esprit de corps. One Airman shared his reason why the Air Force birthday was so important saying, "I look at when I first joined the Air Force back in 1977," said retired Master Sgt. Delanamor Love. "You're looking at less than 100 years where we've grown from probably the lowest entity in the U.S. military, to worldwide air superiority ... looking at that accomplishment is probably the greatest feats that have been accomplished by anybody, and to be a part of that heritage, I think it gives me a sense of accomplishment also." "The Air Force birthday gives us the opportunity to celebrate a robust heritage," said Col. Timothy Gillaspie, the 82nd Training Wing vice commander, as the event came to a close. Though birthdays are just another year of aging, the Air Force uses it as an opportunity to reflect on the successes, sacrifices, heritage and traditions of the Airmen who have fought, and continue to fight, for the freedom of the American people.