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Team Andersen celebrates 61st AF anniversary with ball

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carissa Wolff
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Andersen celebrates a "Heritage of Change"

Andersen Air Force Base celebrated the 61st anniversary of the U.S. Air Force with the 2008 Air Force Ball held at the Hyatt Regency Guam Hotel, Sept. 20.

The theme of the dinner was 'Heritage of Change,' celebrating the achievements of Airmen and airpower throughout history.

"It was really good to be able to see my friends and co-workers outside of the office and to celebrate the Air Force's birthday in such a nice setting," said Airman 1st Class Joseph Olsen, 734th Air Mobility Squadron. "The Air Force Ball committee has really put on a first-class event."

The more than 400 guests, to include Airmen, their spouses and community leaders, were treated to a traditional Chamorro buffet dinner as well as traditional island dancers, video presentations and live music.

Brigadier Gen. Philip Ruhlman, the 36th Wing commander, spoke after dinner on the theme of the ball, highlighting many of the Air Force's achievements over the years.

"We have an expeditionary heritage; we were expeditionary in 1917 and more than 90 years later we still are," said General Ruhlman. ""We have an expeditionary heritage; we were expeditionary in 1917 and more than 90 years later we still are," said General Ruhlman. "Our United States Air Force has built and is operating more expeditionary bases in SouthWest Asia than permanent bases currently established in Europe."

The speech highlighted contributions from historic leaders such as Billy Mitchell and Hap Arnold who helped to define today's Airman as well as the technological advances that have enabled the Air Force to maintain an edge of superiority while capitalizing on the flexibility airpower offers.

"The Air Force operates 67 satellites in support of joint operations, communications, navigation and surveillance; worldwide, we launch an airlift, tanker or medevac aircraft every 90 seconds and in one day earlier this year, we delivered 200 tons of relief supplies to China via two C-17 jet cargo aircraft," said the general. "Right now more than 24,000 United States Air Force Airmen are deployed and right now more than 200,000 Airmen are directly supporting all ten Joint Combatant Commanders worldwide everyday providing airlift, space, surveillance, deterence, combatand homeland defense."

"I am proud to be a part of the finest Air Force in the world, said General Ruhlman. "Your Air Force, and your Airmen, are committed to the highest standards of integrity, service above self, and excellence, and will continue to demonstrate this every day, 24/7/365, with precision, reliability, accountability, and relentless dedication."