Nellis and Creech Air Force bases held an Air Force Ball Sept. 21, 2019 at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to celebrate the Air Force’s 72nd birthday.
U.S. Air Force history began Sept. 18, 1947, when the branch was founded. The Air Force Ball is an annual event held at Air Force bases around the globe, enabling service members and their guests to come together to celebrate; this year’s theme is “Frontiers of Blue… This is 72.”
Acting Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Donovan attended the ball as the guest speaker. “This year we’re celebrating our Air Force heritage, strength, innovation, where we come from, who we are and where we’re going,” said Donovan.
Guests had the opportunity to socialize and take photos with Carrot Top during cocktail hour and observe Air Force heritage items, like static aircraft displays and memorabilia.
“If you look around, our heritage, our history, traditions and our culture are just as strong as any other sister services,” said Senior Master Sgt. Rosa Lovegreen, 57th Wing Inspector General superintendent and Air Force Ball Committee vice president.
Following dinner and dessert, Maj. Gen. Charles Corcoran, United States Air Force Warfare Center commander, and Airman Julian LeDuff, 99th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels specialist, performed the ceremonial cake cutting. It is Air Force tradition for the highest ranking Airman and the youngest Airman to cut the cake together.
“Getting called up to the front with such a respected figure was a very humbling experience,” said LeDuff. “It really put the concept of ‘joining something bigger than yourself’ into perspective.”
The Air Force birthday celebrates Air Force history and allows Airmen to understand their significance in modern operations.