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U.S. military airlift legend visits 379th AEW

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tim Jenkins
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here were treated to a sweet visit by an iconic figure in Air Force history Oct. 20-21.

Retired Col. Gail Halvorsen, best known as "The Candy Bomber" for his role in dropping candy from his aircraft to children during the Berlin Airlift, visited with service members and toured facilities and aircraft as he wrapped up a week-long trip to Europe and Southwest Asia.

This visit gave Colonel Halvorsen the opportunity to offer encouragement to Airmen, coalition and sister service members, and to learn how the mission is accomplished every day.

"I've got great respect for the people I've seen here, for how they're handling this challenge and for doing exactly what I'd hope they'd be doing," he said. "I wish I was as sharp as these people I've met. I guess it's the new age with the new technology that we didn't have when I was in the business and the ability to internalize all these new electronic systems and optimize them."

He added although the technology is impressive, what really inspired him was the attitude of each and every service member he met. He said although technology changes the means of accomplishing the mission, attitudes is one of the principles that never changes.

"More important than the systems is seeing the light in the eyes of the people," the colonel said. "They are dedicated to the job. I'm so thrilled to see that."

During his stay, Colonel Halvorsen spoke on how the means of completing the mission has evolved since his time as a pilot. He met with C-17, C-130, KC-135 and B-1B aircrews and visited their aircraft. Comparing his experience in the air mobility community, he was impressed with how the airdrop mission has evolved over the past 60 years.

"To think that the airdrop guys can drop the equivalent to keep 970 semi trailers off the road from these explosive devices, get them out of harm's way and deliver it to where it needs to go faster, it's just incredible," he said. "Dropping a million pounds of ... food or ammunition or medical supplies - a million pounds of that in a week -- is beyond comprehension."

In addition, Colonel Halvorsen met with aircrew members at a social, and shared meals with Airmen at the dining facilities. He said spending time with deployed Airmen helped him to see the high spirits everyone maintains while completing the mission.

"I'm really enthused and excited about the kind of support from this base and what it does for those people who need help in Afghanistan and Iraq," said Colonel Halvorsen. "I'm really pleased to be here. The spirit of the people working across all the responsibility lines is just fabulous."

Colonel Halvorsen also had a chance to participate in two Fallen Warrior Ceremonies -- an experience he said he'll never forget.

"I'll never forget that and the homage paid to them for their ultimate sacrifice," said Colonel Halvorsen. "To see that outpouring of support -- I have great hopes for our country when these kinds of qualities are maintained, exhibited and genuine."

Colonel Halvorsen said the visit brought into perspective the sacrifices service members are making every day.

"To me, it's seeing firsthand the sacrifice that (military members) are making to get the threat where it's at and not just letting it loose and turning your back on it," said Colonel Halvorsen. "We just can't afford to crawl under the bed and hope all is well."

He added despite the challenges of being deployed, the service members continue to be dedicated to accomplishing the mission.

"I knew the stress the troops are under with deployments and people back home being separated and under these kinds of conditions, and yet to see the dedication - that's the kind of qualities that make you feel really good," said Colonel Halvorsen.

After meeting with many service members from around the installation, the colonel reflected on his past and had some advice to offer Airmen contemplating their futures.

"Take the long term view," he said. "Difficult times will pass. And after you get through them, you'll either look back with pride or regret. We should look in the rearview mirror to learn - so we don't repeat mistakes and so we can learn from the contributions from others."

He continued although it's important to learn from the past, it's also important not to look in the rearview mirror too long dwelling on the "what if" or "what might have been."

"If you avoid those pitfalls, when the road turns off to what you might become, then you'll make the turn," he said. "Otherwise you'll be so occupied with all that other stuff ... you won't be able to reach your full potential in life."

While serving during the Berlin Airlift, Colonel Halvorsen earned his title by attaching parachutes to candy and dropping them for the children below. His efforts led to more than 20 tons of candy being delivered. As the "Candy Bomber," Colonel Halvorsen has witnessed the impact of good impressions. During his trip, he encouraged Airmen to do the same as they continue to deliver a clenched fist of justice to adversaries and an open hand of hope to those in need.

"Frankly, I was very touched at how everyone treated Colonel Halvorsen as the true patriot he is and showed him genuine sincerity and appreciation for his years of service, both in and out of uniform," said Brig. Gen. Randy Kee, 379th AEW commander. "Quite simply, Colonel Halvorsen is a national treasure and his approach to living life fully and of continued service is an inspiration to us all."