USAFE commander: Strong NATO ties key to Air Force legacy

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kathleen Ferrero
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF Mildenhall, England --  "I'm Roger Brady, and I have approved this message." 

Within minutes of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander's introduction, Gen. Roger Brady had the audience laughing at the Air Force Ball here Saturday. 

The Air Force Ball celebrated 90 years of shared history between the U.S. and British air forces. Airmen from the two countries have fought together since World War I.
 
In a serious tone, the general commemorated the "90 years of heritage with clearly our closest and best friends in the world, the Royal Air Force and the people of the United Kingdom." 

General Brady said he recently talked to an air chief from a NATO country who wanted his air force to do more in the War on Terror. He also talked to a president of one country and prime minister of another who wanted assurance that NATO and the U.S. would stand beside them in times of trouble. 

"What made these experiences so special to me was the fact that, in every case, I could say I have the team that can get this all done," General Brady said. 

From World War II through the Cold War and into the War on Terror, the chance to work and fight alongside European allies is a meaningful opportunity, General Brady said. 

That legacy continues "by being so good as Airmen that tyrants dare not challenge us, and by building friendships among the nations of this region that will ensure Europe of their freedom and ours in the generations ahead," General Brady said.
 
Nearly 500 people gathered in a hangar to hear the USAFE commander speak, groove to big band music, partake of lobster bisque and relish a fun night out. 

"Our whole goal was to make it a party, and I think it was. People were enjoying themselves," said Lt. Col. Bruce McNaughton, co-coordinator for the ball.
 
"People were getting up to go see friends across the room. We had to make an announcement to try to keep the aisles clear for the food servers," he said. 

"It's important to get outside of the work place and see the other side of people," said Master Sgt. Chad Gallant, who works for the base command post.
 
"We come together all the way across the spectrum," Sergeant Gallant said. "It's not just officers. It's not just Airmen. We have airmen basic all the way up through a four star general sitting in the same room."