# DLA joins the Air Force in celebrating its 72nd birthday

/ Published Sept. 20, 2019
RICHMOND, Virginia, 
With the U.S. and Air Force flags serving as a backdrop for the momentous occasion, the DSCR workforce, including military, government civilians and defense contractors, came together on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia, to celebrate the 72nd birthday of the U.S. Air Force, Sept. 18.   

“The official birth of the U.S. Air Force took place when President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, establishing the Air Force as a separate military branch,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Farris, career broadner, Air Force Customer Facing Division, Customer Operations Directorate, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation.

Farris served as the ceremony emcee, tasked with ensuring the ceremony stayed on track. “It’s with great pride that airmen all over the world celebrate today, Sept. 18, as the birthday of the founding of our U.S. Air Force,” he said. 

The Joint Base Langley-Eustis Honor Guard from Hampton, Virginia presented the colors, Amy Clement, chief, Public Affairs Office, DLA Aviation, sang the national anthem and Air Force Capt. Lana Thomas, logistics career broadening officer, Air Force Customer Facing Division, Customer Operations Directorate, gave the invocation.   

Keeping in line with this year’s theme “Frontiers of the Blue...This is 72” set forth by Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. David Goldfein, Air Force Col. John Gustafson, chief, Air Force Customer Facing Division, served as the guest speaker.

He talked about the progression the Air Force has made throughout the years since its inception and highlighted the service’s heritage, warfighting capabilities and foundation for innovation

“Despite being the youngest sibling of the services, 72 may still seem old to many. While we are nowhere close in age to the other military branches, which are all well over 200 years old, in typical younger sibling style, our service has the traits of dreamers and rebels who dare to do some things the family might consider a bit outlandish,” said Gustafson.

Gustafson went on to talk about how the service was officially turning 72, but using facts, figures and history, showcased the services’ roots, which can be traced back to well over 100 years. Some might even say, this constitutes the Air Force as being a very experienced younger sibling. Gustafson agrees.

“World War II solidified the strategic importance of air power. Since then, the U.S. has dominated the skies all over the world which is simply an amazing feat. As stated in the Airman’s Creed, we are part of our nation’s sword and shield and it’s through our global reach and global attack we are able to serve as its sentry and avenger,” he said.

Following Gustafson’s speech, the ceremony came to a close by honoring an age-old Air Force tradition of having the oldest and the youngest Air Force members in attendance cut the cake. 

“Our Air Force is the finest flying fighting force that the world has ever known. Our dominance is made through a vast team effort and all we need to do is look at our past for inspiration. So let us take this time to remember the Airmen of our past and reflect on how we need to prepare for the future,” said Gustafson.