Team Mildenhall honors 100th BG heritage

  • Published
  • By Gina Randall
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Team Mildenhall celebrated and remembered those who served before them with a Heritage Day June 6, 2014.

The 100th Air Refueling Wing has close ties to the 100th Bombardment Group, and its heritage can be traced back to the 100th BG.

The 100th BG first activated June 1, 1942, and arrived at Thorpe Abbotts, England June 9, 1943. On June 25, 1943 the 100th BG flew its first mission against Bremen, Germany.

"The 100th BG heritage, traditions and legacies are of paramount importance to our own RAF Mildenhall community, our U.S. Air Force and our country's history in general," said Mark Howell, 100th ARW historian from Odessa, Texas.

Team Mildenhall celebrated and remembered the heritage in a number of ways throughout the day. Participants met in the Galaxy Club prior to the historian making opening remarks and a short historical brief.

Following this, participants viewed the 100th BG narrative documentary, "Anecdotes from 100th BG Airmen," filmed by the 100th ARW Public Affairs office.

"The 100th BG is a source of the 100th ARW legacy. Their exploits have enriched and defined a most magnificent heritage that spans 72 years," said Col. Kenneth T. Bibb Jr., 100th ARW commander during the 100th BG Anecdotes documentary.

The film featured Team Mildenhall Airmen and civilians. They dressed in uniform from the time of World War II and read firsthand accounts from service members who fought for their country in World War II.

"The heritage of our predecessors is best captured and related through anecdotes, documentaries and literature. Their relevance is the standards of excellence set before us," Howell said.

The day offered Airmen an opportunity to reflect on their military career; to look back at those that gave their lives to secure the future of others and others they would never know.

Today's Airmen share the same qualities as those who served before them, service before self, integrity first and excellence in all we do.

"It sets a benchmark of performance that can help Airmen endure great hardships, work harder to develop their vital skill sets and inspire them to become someone greater than they are," Howell said.

A retreat ceremony concluded the day.