Sheppard celebrates Air Force’s 67th birthday Published Sept. 19, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Robert L. McIlrath 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sixty-seven years old by American standard, qualifies people to draw social security, or get the seniors discount at a restaurant, but for the Air Force, it means much more. Sheppard's Rising 6 hosted a cookout style lunch at the Community Activities Center outdoor pavilion Sept. 18, 2014, in honor of the 67th birthday of the U.S. Air Force. The Rising 6 is the junior enlisted council, made up of members from airman basic to tech. sgt. "This is the Rising 6's fourth planned event," said Staff Sgt. Aaron Cordroch, Sheppard Rising 6 president. "We are here to make Sheppard better by encouraging professional growth." Lt. Col. Marcus Brazell, 82nd Training Group deputy commander and guest speaker at the event, referred to today's Air Force to being "sort of a big deal." "It's impossible to capture and fully grasp the enormity and responsibility our Air Force has," Brazell said. "There's a lot of space up top, and the Air Force owns it all." Sheppard's Rising 6 grilled hundreds of hotdogs, provided flavored shaved ice and a birthday cake for the celebration of a 67-year heritage. Col. Eric Froehlich, 82nd Training Wing vice commander, and Col. Lance Bunch, 80th Flying Training Wing commander, alongside the two youngest Airmen from both training wings took part in the traditional cutting of the cake. Airman Wyatt Nelson, 366th Training Squadron explosive ordnance disposal candidate, defines serving in the "world's greatest Air Force," as an honor. "I'm proud to wear this uniform," Nelson said. "I wouldn't trade it for anything." The event focused on Air Force heritage and the sacrifices that have been made to make the Air Force what it is today. "Celebrating our heritage is what we do as Airmen," Froehlich said. "It's important to have a day out of the year to reflect."