501st CSW celebrates 65th Air Force birthday

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  More than 500 members of the 501st Combat Support Wing converged in RAF Alconbury's Stukeley Inn and the RAF Menwith Hill Community Club dressed in mess dress, evening gowns and tuxedoes in celebration of the 65th birthday of the United States Air Force Sept. 21.

"Birthdays are a time to reflect on our past; understand who we are and where we came from; and look into the horizon and where we are heading," said Brig. Gen. John Quintas, the Defense Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in London and guest speaker at RAF Alconbury. "I want to talk about the long blue line of American Airmen who have come before us and about the excellence, sacrifice and dedication displayed every day by the current generation of Airmen."

In his comments, the general also reflected on the proud heritage of the other services, recognizing the Soliders, Sailors and Marines present to celebrate 65 years of Air Force history.

Highlighting the fact that the Air Force was a division of the U.S. Army when American Airmen first arrived in Britain, the general also talked about how the first all-U.S. bombing mission took to the skies with 25 B-17s just down the road in RAF Grafton Underwood Aug. 17, 1942. Mentioning how American forces established operations at most current 501st CSW installations that same year, he also talked about how Americans proved to be a vital partner to our host nation in helping defeat Nazi Germany.

"In my four years here, I've witnessed and been honored to be the recipient of the love and admiration our host nation has for American Airmen," said Quintas. "I believe the love affair between American Airmen and the local villages began in the 1940s. It began when young, exuberant, patriotic American men came to give their life to defend this country and what it stands for. And that love affair has continued today."

In keeping with Air Force tradition, the most senior- and junior-ranking active-duty Airmen in attendance at both locations were selected to cut the ceremonial birthday cake. Major Jason Nafts, 423rd Medical Squadron, and Airman Steven Hyman, 423rd Communication Squadron, received a decorative saber and sliced the cake at RAF Alconbury, while Master Sgt. Darnell Adams, 421st Medical Flight, and Senior Airman Shelby Woodrum, 451st Intelligence Squadron, had the honors at RAF Menwith Hill.

The celebration concluded with the senior-ranking Airman handing the junior Airman a piece of cake - passing the legacy of service, strength, wisdom and experience from the past to the present generation.