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Air Force Anniversary: Rock celebrates 60 years of air dominance

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Phillip Butterfield
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing/PA
Southwest Asia --  Many birthday celebrations last one day and consist of cake and singing the traditional happy birthday song but when it's the Air Force's birthday things get kicked up a notch. 

A myriad of events were planned here from Sept. 17 to 21 for Airmen to enjoy. Most mentionable were the opening ceremony with the Army Ground Forces Band followed by Air Force trivia night, movie night, a poker run and finishing up with a closing ceremony and free barbecue. 

Monday's event started with a solemn moment of reflection to remember the long journey the Air Force took to get where it's at today and the Airmen who paid the ultimate price for our nation's freedom. 

The festivities kicked off and finished with the Army Ground Forces Band playing a full range of music from the 40's to present day at the Rock's pavilion. 

"We felt privileged," said Army Staff Sgt. David Yoder, Army Ground Forces Band singer. "I'm proud to be here, especially being Army and here during the Air Force's 60th Anniversary." 

Tuesday was Air Force history trivia night at the Flex Recreation Center. Airmen from around the Rock came together to test their knowledge of the promotion development guide. 

"Some of the questions were tuff, like who was the first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force," said Airman 1st Class Ryan Yeckering, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs videographer. "I'm glad I had my PA family with me because they helped me out." 

Wednesday was Air Force movie night at the base theater were the Airmen where also treated with a small trip through uniform evolution with Rock Airmen wearing uniforms from 1947 to present day. 

"The old fatigues from the Vietnam era are much more comfortable than the battle dress uniforms and the Airman battle uniforms of today," said Senior Airman Amber Bond, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing financial manager. "It could've partially been because they were old, but I like the style of the old fatigues better as well. I enjoyed displaying the uniform and I think it is neat how much it has changed over the years." 

Thursday was the poker run. In order to receive cards for your hand, players had to run a lap and the best hand won. 

"It's great to see Airmen get together in the spirit of comradery during a special time as this the Air Force's birthday celebration," said Staff Sgt. Roberta Christian, 386th Expeditionary Services Squadron Flex resale manager. 

Friday was the last day in this week of celebration. The events include a barbecue and a performance from the "Rock Band," the base's very own band. 

"It's a great thing to be able to celebrate the birthday of an organization as great as the U.S. Air Force," said Col. Robert Swisher, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "I know the events like the ones we had this week helped to really drive home the history and heritage of this combat tested warrior institution