Guests of Aviano’s 63rd Air Force Ball prepare to raise their water glasses in toast to the traditional POW/MIA table ceremony Sept. 10 at the La Bella Vista Club. The event which honored the anniversary of the Air Force becoming its own branch in the U.S. military on Sept. 18, 1947, provided a special social occasion for the Air Force community based on the theme "Celebrating Partnership: Passato e Presente." (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish)

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Airman 1st Class Jahmall Maave-Kuewa, 31st Security Forces Squadron installation entry controller, and Col. Thomas Grimm, 31st Dental Squadron commander, cut the Air Force’s Birthday cake. It is tradition that the youngest and oldest Airmen cut the cake in celebration of the Air Force becoming its own military branch of service. The event which honored the anniversary of the Air Force becoming its own branch in the U.S. military on Sept. 18, 1947, provided a special social occasion for the Air Force community based on the theme "Celebrating Partnership: Passato e Presente." (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish)

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Military members and civilians pay respect to the United States and Italian national anthems during Aviano’s 63rd Air Force Ball Sept. 10 at the La Bella Vista Club. The event which honored the anniversary of the Air Force becoming its own branch in the U.S. military on Sept. 18, 1947, provided a special social occasion for the Air Force community based on the theme "Celebrating Partnership: Passato e Presente." (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish)

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Air Force 63 years young

Published Sept. 13, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Team Aviano celebrated the Air Force's 63rd birthday in style with an Air Force ball held at the La Bella Vista Club Sept. 10.

The event which honored the anniversary of the Air Force becoming its own branch in the U.S. military on Sept. 18, 1947, provided a special social occasion for the Air Force community based on the theme "Celebrating Partnership: Passato e Presente."

The evening began with a cocktail hour and later featured refreshments, dancing and remarks from keynote speaker Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc, 3rd Air Force commander, highlighting the accomplishments of the Air Force.

"Our Air Force culture thrives on the idea of serving our great nation as part of an institution founded on dominating that boundless frontier of air and space," the general said. "But, the fabric of our incredible success is indeed our people, both military and civilian, and of course our families who support the calling of those who serve."

The evening culminated in a cake cutting by the oldest and youngest Aviano Airmen, in keeping with tradition. After the cake cutting, the dancing continued and General Gorenc thanked some of the Airmen for what they do for the Air Force.

"Thank you all once again for everything you have done for our Air Force," said General Gorenc. "I encourage each of you to remember tonight, our proud heritage and how you contribute to it. Always remember that we are never in it alone. Cherish and continue to promote the partnership and alliance we have with our host nation and coalition partners."