RAF Mildenhall Airmen celebrate USAF 70th birthday

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Luke Milano
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England --  Airmen from RAF Mildenhall celebrated the U.S. Air Force’s 70th birthday at the annual Air Force Ball held at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, England, Sept. 16, 2017.

“This is a monumental day for Mildenhall as we celebrate the Air Forces birthday, 25 years of the 100th Air Refueling Wing and 75th anniversary of the ‘Bloody Hundreth’,” said Col. Christopher Amrhein, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander.

“It is only fitting that we hold our Air Force Ball at the Imperial War Museum."

The choice of an off-base venue was particularly significant this year.

“This is the first time an event of this magnitude has been hosted off the installation during the 9/11 era, truly in line with the ‘Breaking barriers since 1947’ theme,” said Master Sgt. Dwight Valeros, 100th Security Forces Squadron operations and training superintendent, and Air Force Ball president.

The Air Force became an independent branch of the military on Sept. 18, 1947, but the Air Force has had a presence in England since World War II, as exemplified by the American fighter aircraft among those on display.

Aside from the assortment of static displays, the ball also included a live performance from the United States Air Forces in Europe band and a presentation of “Airmen through Time” put on by RAF Mildenhall Airmen who dressed and spoke as Airmen from past wars.

“Sometimes we throw on our uniforms, turn a wrench, swing a hammer or review some records and we lose sight that we are all part of the most capable Air Force our planet has ever known -- the ball connects us,” said 100th ARW Command Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Stanley. “We are stronger than ever and continue to break barriers. Our charge is to not forget those who paved the way for us, while paving the way for others.”