OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb., -- Members of the 55th Wing Honor Guard post the colors during Offutt's 62nd Air Force Birthday Observance at the Patriot Club here Sept. 18. Initially part of the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force became a separate branch of the military on Sept. 17, 1947. U.S. Air Force Photo by Charles Haymond

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OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb., -- Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, 55th Wing commander, speaks about the importance of recognizing the Air Force's 62nd birthday during Offutt's Air Force Birthday Observance at the Patriot Club here Sept. 18. Initially part of the U.S. Army, the Air Force became a separate branch of the military on Sept. 17, 1947. U.S. Air Force Photo Charles Haymond

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OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb., -- Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, 55th Wing commander and Airman 1st Class Alyssa Blight, 55th Maintenance Squadron, cut the cake during the cake cutting ceremony of Offutt's 62nd Air Force Birthday Observance at the Patriot Club here Sept 18. Initially part of the U.S. Army, the Air Force became a separate branch of the military on Sept. 17, 1947. U.S. Air Force Photo by Charles Haymond

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OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb., -- Senior Master Sgt. James D. Weber, a guitarist from The Heartland of America Band, performs for members of Team Offutt during Offutt's 62nd Air Force Birthday Observance at the Patriot Club here Sept 18. Sergeant Weber performed numerous songs during the event including "American Pie," "God Bless the USA" and the Air Force song. Initially part of the U.S. Army, the Air Force became a separate branch of the military on Sept. 17, 1947. U.S. Air Force Photo by Charles Haymond

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OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb., -- Senior Master Sgt. James D. Weber, a guitarist from The Heartland of America Band, performs "American Pie" during Offutt's 62nd Air Force Birthday Observance at the Patriot Club here Sept 18. Initially a part of the U.S. Army, the Air Force became a separate branch of the military on Sept. 17, 1947. U.S. Air Force Photo by Charles Haymond

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OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Members of Team Offutt look at a mini-enlisted heritage museum during Offutt's 62nd Air Force Birthday Observance at the Patriot Club here Sept. 18. The display consisted of uniforms and other memorabilia dating back to the Spanish American War. Initially a part of the U.S. Army, the Air Force became a separate branch of the military on Sept. 17, 1947. U.S. Air Force Photo by Charles Haymond

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Offutt celebrates Air Force's 62nd birthday

Published Sept. 22, 2009