Photo By Senior Airman Ethan Sherwood | U.S. Air Force Col. Andres Nazario, 17th Training Wing commander, delivers closing...... read more read more
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Goodfellow members and the Fort Concho National Historic Landmark re-enactors with volunteer Buffalo Soldiers celebrated Airmen, diversity, and the Air Force’s 73rd birthday through a joint celebration on the Parade Field, here, Sept. 18.
Celebration of You was Goodfellow’s theme for this year’s birthday. This theme focused on the diverse men and women who make up the Air Force and who make it great.
Goodfellow members hosted several events including a morning fun run, the Buffalo Soldier demonstration, pancake breakfast, and unit level celebrations with cake cutting over two days. During these events, individuals followed mask wear and social distancing guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As the sun crested the horizon, spectators watched the Fort Concho National Historic Landmark re-enactors and Buffalo Soldier volunteers march on the Parade Field and observed a joint formation of 17th Training Wing Airmen and Soldiers from the 344th Military Intelligence Battalion.
To help remember where diversity in the military started, the Fort Concho National Historic Landmark re-enactors and volunteer Buffalo Soldiers conducted a flag raising ceremony of a 38-star American flag to honor the first black, Army regiment warriors. This was accompanied by a three-round volley salute with the same model of rifle that the Buffalo Soldiers used, an 1873 Springfield and the firing of a howitzer. The original regiments supported the nation’s westward expansion by protecting settlers and capturing cattle rustlers, thieves.
Even though the Buffalo Soldiers faced racism and endured brutal weather conditions, the four regiments were highly distinguished. Eighteen Buffalo Soldiers were awarded the prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor and the four regiments earned more than 12,000 decorations in their near century long existence.
“Throughout history, our country has flourished when diversity was present,” said Col. Andres Nazario, 17th Training Wing commander. “Our military in particular, has always found strength and innovation in its diversity.”
The Fort Concho Historic Landmark re-enactors set up living displays where attendees could talk with experts on the era and interact with historical memorabilia.
“It has been amazing for me to re-enact history and learn all of the details of how the Buffalo Soldiers served back in the day,” said Senior Airman Marcus Humphries, a Buffalo Soldier re-enactor. “It shows the Air Force is not taken down by COVID.”
Humphries expressed his thankfulness about the events chosen to celebrate the Air Force Birthday. He felt the events showed how much wing leaders understand world events and how they affect Airmen.
As smoke billowed from the howitzer after the final shot during the ceremony, guests were encouraged to stay and socialize while social distancing over their breakfast before going back to their regular duties.
“I will always believe that our service members are our biggest strategic advantage,” said Nazario. “We will continue to honor the history and heritage of all service members who served in our nation’s military and were willing to sacrifice their lives in the defense of this great nation.”
| Date Taken: | 09.18.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 09.22.2020 11:40 |
| Story ID: | 378365 |
| Location: | GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 51 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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