Gala celebrates Air Force’s 64th year

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Members from the 39th Air Base Wing and the 10th Tanker Base Command joined together to celebrate the 64th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force during the Air Force Gala Sept. 17 at the Club Complex.

Brig. Gen. James Daniel, Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché, Office of Defensive Cooperation, Ankara, Turkey, U.S. European Command, was the guest speaker at the annual event.

Daniel's speech covered successes the Air Force accomplished in its 64 years, such as taking care of families and the one thing that separates the U.S. Air Force from the rest of the armed forces around the world - Airmen. Daniel also encouraged Airmen to share their opinions with their leadership.

Contributing to the 64th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, the theme for the gala was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Turkish air force as well, according to 2nd Lt. Anthony Darr, 39th Operations Squadron chief of assessments and Air Force Gala coordinator.

"The Air Force Gala is a chance for the entire base to come together to celebrate the Air Force Birthday. It's important to recognize our heritage and the history of the Air Force as one of the services contributing to the fight," said Darr.

The event included music performed by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe woodwind band, Winds Aloft, and light hors d'oeuvres served by the Club Complex staff.

A small table, set for five, was set aside to remember prisoners of war or those listed as missing in action. The empty seats represent the Americans still missing from each of the five services: U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corp, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard. Those in attendance honored a moment of silence for POW/MIAs.

"I volunteered because this is my second gala and fifth Air Force birthday. Every year, it's always one of the best celebrations. The POW/MIA ceremony was my personal favorite portion of the event. It means so much to pay homage to those who have made the largest sacrifices," said Staff Sgt. Jordan Herrera, 39th Medical Support Squadron biomedical maintenance technician and Air Force Gala emcee.

The formal part of the evening concluded with an old tradition, the first cut in the cake being made by the most senior and junior Airmen in attendance. The most senior Airman in attendance was Daniel and the most junior was Airman 1st Class Ethan Plautz from the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

The event was organized by the Air Force Gala Committee, 39th Force Support Squadron, Air Force Sergeants Association, Top 3, 5/6 Club, Airmen Committed to Excellence, Hispanic Heritage Club and Incirilk Club Complex staff.