Giants of airpower celebrate at McChord

Published Sept. 30, 2009
By Master Sgt. Dean Miller
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Sixty-two years of airpower excellence -- past, present and future, connected more than 600 Airmen, family members and community leaders as they gathered here Sept. 26 to celebrate the 62nd Air Force birthday with guest of honor, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz.

Following a powerful rendition of the national anthem and a rare singing of Taps by McChord Airmen, event host, Col. Kevin Kilb, 62nd Airlift Wing commander, set the tone for the historic celebration introducing General Schwartz; Medal of Honor recipient, Col. (Ret.) Joe Jackson; World War II Women's Air Service Pilot and Presidential Gold Medal Recipient, Mary Sturdevant; eight active and retired general officers, and former McChord leaders.

"It is the 62nd birthday of our United States Air Force ... it is also the 62nd birthday of the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord," said Colonel Kilb. "As we move forward proudly into Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and move full-circle back to McChord Field as part of the largest, power-projection platform on the west coast, we celebrate those who have come before us. Most importantly, we celebrate our Airmen making history tonight."

In his keynote speech, General Schwartz paused to salute Colonel Jackson, noting the 1968 mission when the colonel earned the Medal of Honor -- a harrowing rescue of three Combat Controllers at Kham Duc, Vietnam. General Schwartz said the Airmen involved in the legendary mission inspired him throughout his career.

General Schwartz then focused on the accomplishments of today's Airmen and the high expectations for them as they assume Air Force leadership roles. These points were anchored in positive memories of his command of McChord's 36th Tactical Airlift Squadron from May, 1986 to June, 1988 - his first command.

"It was a great experience for both Suzie and me, and who knew at the time what it would lead to?" said General Schwartz of his former role at McChord. "So, it is a special treat to be back here tonight."

The general went on to recognize McChord for both hosting and winning Rodeo, as well as achieving exemplifying excellence in its Nuclear Surety Inspections.

"I applaud you on your impressive achievements, and encourage your continued professional efforts," said General Schwartz.

"You should be proud of your accomplishments and of being indispensible to the world's greatest Air Force. Every day, your unique contributions to the joint team are in high demand, which you're unlikely to see abate any time soon."

General Schwartz highlighted Air Force missions in Afghanistan, many of which McChord Airmen directly contribute to in various outside-the-wire missions and in airlift. He noted more than three million pounds of supplies had been airdropped to Coalition forces, nearly triple the amount dropped in 2007, and acknowledged the aeromedical evacuation of 67,000 patients - including 12,000 wounded warriors -- to advanced treatment facilities in the U.S. and Europe.

"The ways in which Airmen, on a daily basis, are making a difference in our nation's ability to employ the military instrument goes on and on, and your contributions by providing 'airlift excellence' helps to make all of this happen," said General Schwartz. "Let us pause for a moment, to remember our proud heritage, so that it can inform our efforts, and inspire us to yet more worthy deeds."

Additionally, General Schwartz emphasized our responsibility to grow the next generation of leaders, and thanked the spouses and families for their critical support, stating our business is a "Team Sport."

Following his speech, General Schwartz was joined by McChord's most junior Airman to slice the Air Force birthday cake with a saber. Airman 1st Class Rebecca Arnold, with 8 months in the service, said she was nervous, but tried to stay calm.

"It was a great opportunity, and I was in complete awe while I was doing it," said Airman Arnold. "General Schwartz thanked me for my service and said the country needed me."

Adding to the historic theme, a patriotic video was shown and Airmen briefed McChord history and missions at displays throughout the evening alongside a C-17 Globemaster III and heritage B-18 and C-45 aircraft. Food and drink stations were spread throughout the hangars holding the event. The arrangement was designed to inspire conversation and mingling.

"I thought it was a wonderful ceremony, the venue was great ... it allowed people to socialize, and the video was extremely well done," said Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Howard Ingersoll. "It brought back a lot of memories and made me proud to have been a part of this wing."

General Ingersoll commanded the 62nd AW from 1991 to 1993. Today he is the Boeing director of field services at McChord.

"It was a great event and I especially appreciate the opportunity for a brief conversation with the CSAF about the future of the AF," said former Olympia Mayor and Air Force Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mark Fouch, who attended the ball with his wife Pam. "I thought his message was right on target - that there are challenges at the national and international level that will make the national security task more complex and our Airmen are, and will continue to be, up to those challenges."