Of my twenty-nine and a half years in uniform, reserves, Guard, and active duty I spent twenty eight and a half in the blue uniform. I am proud to have severed one year in the Oklahoma Army National Guard and to be called a “Thunderbird”. Still I would not change anything for raising my right hand saying the oath and starting my career in 1973 with the USAF (United States Air force). And guess what? It’s the Airforce birthday this week!

Air Force Birthday is a holiday celebrated on September 18th annually to commemorate the day when the Air Force was officially separated from the United States Army in 1947. Prior to that year, the Air Force was a part of the Army and was known as the Army Air Force. However, lawmakers believed that it needed to be made into its own separate entity. And now, it’s a holiday that’s been commemorated by Air Force personnel, veterans and their families for the past 70+ years.
The United States Army created the predecessor to the Air Force in 1907 when they created the Aeronautical Division of the Signal Corps on August 1, 1907. Eventually, this department would turn into the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps from 1914 through 1918. Over the years, this department continued to take shape becoming the U.S Army Air Service from 1918 through 1926 and the U.S Army Air Forces from 1941 through 1947. However, the value of airpower was heavily illustrated to the leadership of the Armed Forces during World War II and they decided that the United States Military Forces needed a major organizational change in order to remain a successful fighting force. This resulted in the creation of the Department of Defense and the creation of the United States Air Force on September 18, 1947. The National Security Act of 1947 reorganized the national security of the U.S. Not only was the Air Force separated from the Army, but the Joint Chiefs of Staff were created, the CIA and the National Security Council.
Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month. September 20th this week will be the next one. 7 PM. Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in September are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy and always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians). Just watch the weather, it is the only factor that my change that. If you are a veteran come on by. If you have a good story it may end up in print. Also keep up with us at website “americanlegion142.org”.