HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The Air Commandos celebrated the Air Force's 63rd birthday with camaraderie and a special meal at the Riptide Dining Facility at Hurlburt Field, Sept. 17.
The event honored the anniversary of the Air Force becoming its own branch of the U.S. military on Sept.18, 1947.
During his keynote remarks, Col. Michael Plehn, 1st Special Operations Wing commander, highlighted the accomplishments and changes that he's observed throughout his 23-year career, including the reduction of active duty forces.
He also stressed the importance of every person in the room to include the men and women in uniform, contractors, both civil service and non-appropriated funded civilian employees, and their families.
"We couldn't do what we do without each of you and your support," Colonel Plehn said. "The bottom line is: we need you."
Airman Basic John Powell, a tactical air control party trainee who graduated from Basic Military Training Aug. 6, then joined Colonel Plehn in a tradition in which both the most senior and most junior Airmen cut the first slice of a cake.
When asked why he joined the Air Force, Airman Powell replied, "To serve my country and do something challenging."
The event concluded with Colonel Plehn thanking Senior Airmen Nicole Taber and Ashley Zamora, both 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron food service specialists, for baking the three-layer red velvet and white marble cake complete with fondant and almond paste icing. The edible wings of the Air Force logo topped the cake to give it a three-dimensional look. Collectively, it took them 24 hours to prepare the cake for the celebration.