Aim High: Fly-Fight-Win

Happy Birthday, U.S. Air Force

Tomorrow, September 18th, the United States Air Force turns 74. Koch VETS will salute the men and women of the Air Force and extend our sincere gratitude for their dedicated service to protecting our nation and advancing her interests around the world.

The U.S. Air Force’s: Mission – fly, fight and win in air, space, and cyberspace. Vision: The World’s Greatest Air Force – Powered by Airmen, Fueled by Innovation.

The National Security Act of 1947 highlighted the emerging value of airpower in military operations and created our fourth military service branch, the United States Air Force. Before then, the U.S. military’s flying operations were split between the Army (over land) and Navy (over the sea). By creating an independent service equal to the Army and Navy, the U.S. Air Force has evolved into the largest, most technologically advanced, and most feared Air Force in the world!

Daniel “Chappie” James, an original Tuskegee Airmen who flew almost 200 combat missions, became the first African American to ever achieve the rank of four-star general in the U.S. armed forces.

Our nation’s interest in air power began in 1907 when the U.S. Army Signal Corps established a small division that relied on balloons and air machines to accomplish its communication and reconnaissance missions. A year later, the Signal Corps began testing its first airplane, provided by the Wright brothers. In less than four years, the Signal Corps created an independent Aviation section to operate and supervise all military aircraft.?

Two U.S. presidents served as airmen. Ronald Reagan when the branch was still the Army Air Forces; George W. Bush in the Texas Air National Guard before transferring to the Air Force Reserve.

Tactical air units were formed very late in World War I, and primarily in support of the ground forces. By the end of World War II, the Army Air Corps had become a major military organization comprised of many air forces. Over time it has become the greatest force multiplier in the history of warfare, enabling the joint military force to conduct operations around the world. Today’s Air Force, including active, Guard and Reserve forces, consists of over half a million volunteers who work with advanced technology and are focused on “global vigilance, global reach, and global power.”

"Nothing inspires more confidence in our friends or strikes more fear in the hearts of our enemies than the sight of American warplanes on the horizon.” – President Donald J. Trump

The U.S. Air Force is the world’s preeminent force in air, space, and cyberspace. Her rich history and vision guide her Airmen to provide military dominance in the air and space domains, enabling the joint military force to project power quickly anywhere in the world at any time. They have spearheaded unthinkable advancements, including breaking the sound barrier, activating the Global Positioning System, and launching the first remotely piloted aircraft. It is a superb force that maintains the agility, flexibility, and readiness to engage a full range of contingencies and threats.?

U.S. Air Force personnel live and serve with a commitment to three core values: “integrity first; service before self; excellence in all we do.”

From their humble beginnings using hot air balloons and propeller aircraft, the U.S. Air Force has emerged to provide unrivaled Airpower – anytime, anywhere – for America. They have continuously defended our Nation and promoted peace through unmatched courage and airpower that is second-to-none. Thanks to their seventy-four years of unparalleled service and excellence, America remains a beacon of liberty and hope around the world.

"American Service members are truly superb – they answer the call to duty for freedom, justice and the American way.” – James P. Fleming, U.S. Air Force, Medal of Honor

Koch VETS proudly salute the service members, veterans, and families of the United States Air Force. Happy Birthday U.S. Air Force!

“Charlie-Mike”

“Our Mission Is Your Success”

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