Happy 75th Birthday, U.S. Air Force

Aim High … Fly-Fight-Win?

Today, Koch VETS celebrate the 75th birthday of the United States Air Force. We also salute the men and women of the Air Force and extend our sincerest gratitude for their dedicated service to protecting our nation and advancing her interests around the world.

Mission – fly, fight and win in air, space, and cyberspace.

Vision: The World’s Greatest Air Force – Powered by Airmen, Fueled by Innovation.

Flying operations were introduced to the U.S. military in 1907.?The U.S. Army Signal Corps leveraged balloons and air machines to accomplish communication and reconnaissance missions. ?The Wright brothers provided the Army its first airplane, who tested it in these same limited roles. 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, aviation operations were split between the Army (over land) and Navy (over the sea). By then, the U.S. Army Air Corps had become a major military organization comprised of many air forces.

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.

After assessing our National Security and military performance following the two world wars, President Harry S. Truman signed into law The National Security Act of 1947.?Among several critical reforms introduced through this law, one highlighted the emerging value of airpower in military operations by creating our fourth military service branch, the United States Air Force. This new independent service, equal to the Army and Navy, 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.

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.” It is now the greatest force multiplier in the history of warfare, the world’s preeminent force in air, space, and cyberspace, enabling the joint military force to conduct operations around the world.

"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

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. The U.S. Air Force 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-five 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”

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