Hanscom community celebrates heritage during ball

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Hanscom's Aero Club Hangar was transformed into the setting for an elaborate birthday bash Sept. 14 to commemorate the Air Force's 60th anniversary. With more than 650 people in attendance, the evening delivered plenty of pomp, pageantry and fun. 

"My congratulations to everyone involved in putting together not only a highly successful event, but one that was most enjoyable for the many who attended," said Lt. Gen. Chuck Johnson, Electronic Systems Center commander. 

Upon arrival at the celebration and throughout the evening, guests were able to walk back in time to commemorate the Air Force's 60 years. 

A uniform display themed, "Worn with honor: 60 years of U.S. Air Force uniforms" contained 40 samples of uniforms and gear worn from 1947 to present. The display was provided by Will Shaefer, who served in the Army and is now an engineer with the Mitre Corporation. Mr. Shaefer has been collecting and displaying Army and Air Force uniforms for more than 30 years. 

Static aircraft displays provided a fitting backdrop for the festivities, with guests getting a first-hand look at the F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt II and T-6 Texan. 

Students from the Airman Leadership School dressed in period uniforms and performed a solemn POW/MIA ceremony to honor the prisoners of war and those missing in action throughout the Air Force's history. 

Bridging the Air Force's history, the evening paid tribute to Chief Master Sergeant Esther MacKay, who at 102 is the oldest living retired Chief Master Sergeant. Following the tribute, attendees watched as General Johnson enlisted the Air Force's newest member, Lee Wyatt Salisbury. 

Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, was the keynote speaker. General Brady highlighted the Air Force's impact on the world and how Airmen have saved lives and protected our way of life. 

"What our Air Force provides to the nation is a range of options from humanitarian to extremely deadly," General Brady said. "To protect our way of life, to relieve suffering and to dislodge tyrants wherever we find them; but the wind beneath our wings is the intelligence, dedication and character of each Airman." 

"America and the U.S. Air Force are about weaving the richness of our differences into an elegant tapestry that makes us the light on the hill that the world wants to emulate," he said. 

The General also highlighted some of the major contributions that Airmen have made over the years. "From those earliest days until now, the Air Force has been about finding a better way of doing things," he said. 

"For 60 years the sight of the American flag on an aircraft has meant food, medicine and hope for millions starving from famine, earthquakes and a tsunami of unimaginable proportions. Only the Air Force can deliver so much from so far and in so short a time." 

"People in uniform, our incredible civilians, our industrial community that makes us the envy of the world -- we are all heirs to a great heritage. We ride on the shoulders of giants, you are the giants of tomorrow and you will carry us deep into the 21st century," he said. 

Carrying the event from early evening to after dark were the sounds of the Air Force Band of Liberty. The evening's festivities concluded with a special performance by international recording artist Maureen McGovern. 

Ms. McGovern performed with the band a moving rendition of "God Bless America," in addition to her academy award winning song, "The Morning After" from the movie, "Poseidon Adventure." 

"The decorations, dedications and meal were outstanding," General Johnson said. "I know it took a lot of hard work from a number of people to pull off such a successful event, and it was evident by the incredible appearance and smooth execution. Our guest speaker, Lt. Gen. Brady, was thoroughly impressed with the whole event and delivered an outstanding speech. "

From honoring retired Chief MacKay, the oldest Airman, to administering the oath of enlistment to Miss Salisbury, our youngest Airman, this celebration of our 60th Anniversary was without a doubt the premier event of the year," he said.