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'Night at the Museum' - McChord Field 2012 AF Ball

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  "Unlike other events you attend like a squadron holiday party or a group picnic, the U.S Air Force Ball transcends squadron, unit, even wing cohesion and brings all Airmen and their families together to celebrate the rich history of the Air Force as a whole," said Col. Wyn Elder, 62nd Airlift Wing commander, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, during his opening remarks at the McChord Field 2012 USAF Ball ceremony.

More than 600 members across six different major commands and sister services joined together Sept. 21 to celebrate the 65th birthday of the USAF and that "rich" history at The Museum of Flight, Boeing Field, Seattle, Wash.

"This is the first time anyone can recall our AF Ball being held off base [for McChord]," said Elder. "Initially we were a little worried that people would not make the 45-minute drive. However, we could not pass up on the opportunity to put on this event in such a magnificent location, and the gamble paid off."

Within days of opening up the ticket sales, the AF Ball committee set a record number as ticket sales exceeded 300 and by the time the event started more than 500 tickets has been sold. More than double the attendance of the McChord Field 2011 ceremony.

With the history of the aviation hanging from the ceiling, showcased through static displays and a museum full of aviation artifacts, The Museum of Flight was the opportune place to host this year's event titled "Night at the Museum."

Performances by the USAF Band of the Golden West kicked off the evening's event and a special demonstration by the USAF Honor Guard Drill Team preluded the commencement speech by the guest speaker.

"This was the perfect place to celebrate this thing we Airmen call 'Airpower,'" said retired Lt. Gen. Rusty Findley, former Air Mobility Command vice commander and guest speaker for this year's event. "We are a relatively junior service [compared to the other branches] but in those short 65 years there are many stories and feats to be told about our Air Force and this is a great place that showcases some of those stories."

Findley spoke of the Berlin Airlift, Korea, Vietnam and Kosovo, and how "Airpower" was prevalent throughout. He spoke how September 11, 2001 changed our role forever and how Airmen and "Airpower" are continuing as a prominent role in today's military.

"What you all do here at McChord with air mobility has always been a central part of the equation for these past conflicts," said Findley. "Former Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen had it right when he said Air Mobility is like oxygen; 'We always need it, we don't spend time thinking about it but when it's not present, we are dead.'"

Findley continued to speak about air mobility and 9/11, stating that the day of the Ball was the 4,028th day since the attacks and how he counts every day since then.

"I count every day because of the family members we lost in that tragedy and I count every day because of the 70,000 servicemembers who still serve overseas in support of the war on terror," said Findley. "I wish this could all be over by day 4,029, but in reality I know it will not be.

"I do know that you [speaking to the crowd] are the best our nation has, you are and your families will continue to serve with distinction and courage, standing up for our flag and all it stands for."

He spoke of the undying support provided by the families as the servicemember is called to duty and he expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude for that support.

Findley concluded his speech with a story of a little girl who relied on her "Daddy" to fix everything and when she witnessed the torn flag hanging from the ruble of the twin towers, she asked her "Daddy" why someone didn't fix it.

Her "Daddy" was a servicemember and he took it upon himself, as the more than 70,000 servicemembers are currently doing right now, to "fix" that flag.

By the time Findley was done with his story, there was not a dry eye in the crowd.

The speech by Findley, the atmosphere in which this year's event was conducted, the demonstration by the USAF Honor Guard Drill Team, the music provided by the USAF Band of the Golden West and all the hard work made this an event to remember for the ages.