Offutt to celebrate Air Force's 62nd birthday

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  On Sept. 18, 1947 the United States Air Force was born. On that day, the Air Force joined the Coast Guard, Army and Navy as equal branches of the United States military. Shortly after this historic event, the Air Force was called upon to help save Germany's capital from a Soviet Union imposed blockade. Since then, the Air Force has answered America's call to action in almost every corner of the world. 

Over the past 62 years, the Air Force has demonstrated its might on numerous occasions. In the Korean and Vietnam wars, the Air Force provided badly needed reconnaissance, close air support, troop transport and performed numerous bombing raids. In Desert Storm, the Air Force helped liberate the nation of Kuwait in less than two months. 

The Air Force has a proud heritage spanning more than six decades, and that heritage will soon be celebrated here. 

Offutt is scheduled to host an Air Force birthday celebration at the Patriot Club's Global Lounge Sept. 18 at 3:30 p.m. The event is free and open to anyone who has base access. 

Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, 55th Wing commander, said he is proud Team Offutt will recognize this day in Air Force history. 

"It is important for all Airmen to celebrate the anniversary of the date the Air Force became a separate service," General Shanahan said. "This anniversary is important, as it allows us an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable contributions made by the men and women of the Air Force over the past 62 years." 

The contributions General Shanahan speaks of are quite significant. 

Seventeen Airmen have earned the Medal of Honor, 13 of which were earned in the Vietnam War alone. One such Airman was John. L. Levitow, a loadmaster serving aboard an AC-47. 

On Feb. 24, 1969, Airman Levitow threw himself on a magnesium flare that ignited inside his aircraft. He managed to drag himself and the flare to the cargo door despite having 40 shrapnel wounds in his legs, side and back. Once he reached the cargo door, Airman Levitow threw the flare out of the aircraft saving all on board. 

Another Airman, who earned America's highest military honor in Vietnam was Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger, a pararescueman with Detachment six of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. 

On April 11, 1966, Airman Pitsenbarger was part of a mission to rescue 134 soldiers, who were surrounded by a Viet Cong battalion. During the battle, Airman Pitsenbarger managed to rescue nine soldiers. As the fight continued, he refused evacuation; choosing instead to stay on the ground and aid the wounded. 

As darkness fell, Airman Pitsenbarger cared for the wounded and distributed ammunition to surviving soldiers several times under enemy fire. In the early evening hours he was mortally wounded and the Viet Cong withdrew during the night. 

For coordinating the successful rescues, caring for the wounded and sacrificing his life while aggressively defending his comrades, Airman Pitsenbarger was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross on June 30, 1966. After review, the award was upgraded, and on Dec. 8, 2000, the Medal of Honor was presented to his family in a ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Museum. 

Airmen have played crucial roles in every war, crisis and humanitarian relief operation since the first hat-in-the-ring biplanes flew during World War I, General Shanahan said. 

Honoring those Airmen is something Staff Sgt. Aaron D. Molchak, non-commissioned officer in charge of Offutt's Honor Guard, said is what the Air Force birthday observance is all about. 

"I believe that honoring our veterans is one of the most important parts of our service as Air Force members," Sergeant Molchak said. "Without acknowledging the price that was paid in the past by our veterans, it's impossible to fully appreciate the opportunities we enjoy in the present." 

By participating in the Air Force birthday ceremony, Sergeant Molchak said, he'll have the opportunity to honor the warriors who came before him and give back to a service that has given him so much. 

"Everyone likes to throw around the statement 'we are the most powerful Air Force in the world' and while that is true, our job as members means so much more," Sergeant Molchak said. "We as Airmen, are privileged to be a small part of an organization that not only takes care of its own, but also protects the freedom of our entire country." 

Capt. Sean Park, 55th Wing Commander's Action Group deputy chief, shares Sergeant Molchak's view on the importance of remembering the Airmen of the past, and said he hopes Team Offutt shows up in full force at the Air Force birthday observance. 

"This event is a celebration of the Air Force's 62nd birthday and remembrance of our predecessors' sacrifices to make the Air Force a separate branch a reality," Captain Park said. 

It's important to recognize the birth of the Air Force, he added. 

"Most of us celebrate our loved ones' birthday every year. We do this to look back on our personal history and share fun memories with others. Our Air Force had to pay a steep price to stand shoulder to shoulder with the other services and we should remember the significance of that," Captain Park said. 

While Offutt's Air Force birthday celebration will pay tribute to the Air Force's past, General Shanahan stressed it's just as important to recognize the accomplishments of the Airmen of today. 

"Today, we are engaged continuously, supporting operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and numerous other locations around the globe," General Shanahan said, "while we are a technically-oriented service, we remain the greatest Air Force in the world because of our people; they are helping to fight and win today's wars in air, space and cyberspace, while preparing to meet the challenges of an uncertain future." 

"It's appropriate that we pause on Sept. 18 to thank all the wonderful men and women who have served before us, those serving today, and those who will serve in the future," General Shanahan added. 

Offutt's 62nd Air Force birthday celebration will include a mini-heritage museum consisting of historic uniforms dating back to the Spanish-American War, as well as Army Air Corps and Air Force memorabilia. Light refreshments will be provided and the event will also feature a performance by the Heartland of America Band. 

Military members who plan on attending the event must wear the uniform of the day, while civilians are asked to wear casual attire. For more information about Offutt's birthday celebration, call Capt. Park at 232-8623. For a complete schedule of events, click here.