Be proud of Air Force Heritage Published Oct. 13, 2006 By Col. Steve Arquiette 60th AMW commander TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- As we look back over the 60 years since the Air Force was established, we find our proud Airmen contributing to every major military campaign, establishing air and space world dominance and supporting humanitarian operations around the world. Team Travis members have been on the tip of the spear on many occasions including, bringing home our Vietnam prisoners of war, tsunami relief and the Operation Deep Freeze. In commemoration for America's Airmen, the Air Force is putting on a year-long recognition themed "From Heritage to Horizons -- Commemorating 60 Years of Air and Space Power," which will be kicked off Saturday by the Air Force Memorial Dedication in Arlington, Va. The memorial pays tribute to the dedication, sacrifice and contributions of those who pioneered the skies, those who shape the air, space and cyberspace victories of today, and those who will continue to do so in the future. It also honors the millions of men and women who have served in the U.S. Air Force and its prior organizations, including the U.S. Signal Corps, the Army Air Corps and the Army Air Forces. If you would like to visit the Air Force Memorial's website, go to www.airforcememorial.org. All Airmen, including Team Travis Airmen are 'in the fight' today. As we continue participating in joint operations with our sister organizations and coalition forces we may find ourselves much closer to the fight. We are now on the ground leading convoys next to our military counterparts. Our Battlefield Airmen are connected, coordinated and capable of delivering air power when and where the combat commanders need it. Team Travis also contributes to the Global War on Terrorism with our airlift and refueling capabilities. Our capability to provide an "air bridge" that functions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for troop transport, medical evacuation, humanitarian air and logistics throughout the world. Our KC-10 Extenders' dual air refueling and airlift capabilities complement the strategic and tactical airlift missions executed by our C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III, all of which combined together continues to make us America's First Choice in rapid global mobility. These capabilities along with the amazing Airmen we have here at Team Travis and throughout the Air Force will remain vital long after the ground forces draw down in the Middle East. Sixty years may seem like a long time for those who have recently joined the Air Force, but your future contributions will continue to expand in many ways. The development of the F-22 and F-35 are coming to fruition and will become the Air Force's premier fighter aircraft. We will also expand our global capabilities in air and space while increasing our focus on cyberspace. Our Air Force history based on ingenuity, courage and resolve has prepared us to face the future and its challenges. We have come a long way in our first 60 years, but our capabilities will continue to be critical well beyond the next 60 years. Whether you're a member of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the 349th Air Mobility Wing, the 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force or have served and are now retired, we have much to reflect on, celebrate and be thankful for during our 60th Anniversary year! BE PROUD! BE SAFE!