AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- With COVID-19 restrictions in mind, some wondered how to celebrate the 73rd Air Force birthday.
“Since 1947, our service has demonstrated purpose, grit, perseverance, and toughness,” said Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Bruce, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing command chief. “These traits are all characteristics of morale or esprit de corps. Celebrating our birthday ties us to this heritage and also allows us to look forward to better days.”
Fortunately for personnel deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, the 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron and AUAB USO had an answer.
The Air Force Birthday Summer Bash, held September 18, 2020, offered members a variety of activities throughout the afternoon to celebrate and connect with each other while adhering to prescribed safety measures such as social distancing and mandatory mask wear.
“We adhere to COVID-19 limitations as we continue to ensure that we are sticking with the [health protection condition] rules set forth by our public health teammates,” said Master Sgt. Frederick Stewart, the community services flight superintendent. “The important thing to remember is that adhering to these guidelines allows us to recreate and maintain some type of normalcy and prepares us for reintegration when we redeploy.”
The free events were open to all AUAB military and government personnel.
Events included:
Air Force Birthday Self-Paced 5K, DJ at the Coalition Compound pool, corn hole and ping pong tournaments, tie-dying t-shirts and Air Force trivia.
“Whether it’s COVID, Hurricane Sally, racial tension, ISIS, or everyday life, we should take time to be thankful of where we are and remain hopeful for where we’re going in the future,” said Bruce. “We continue to press forward and so does our United States Air Force! Happy Birthday USAF!”