Holloman celebrates 67th Air Force Birthday

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emily Kenney
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Sixty-seven years ago today, September 18, 1947, President Harry S. Truman established the U.S. Air Force as an independent military service and separate from the U.S. Army Air Corps. These past 67 years, Airmen have led the world in emerging technologies, airspace superiority and space exploration. Holloman Airmen have been making history from the very beginning.

In the midst of World War II, Alamogordo Army Airfield was established to train combat aircrew members prior to their deployment to the European theater. Later renamed Holloman Air Force Base after Colonel George V. Holloman, the base has been home to the famed B-17 Flying Fortress, F-4 Phantom II, F-15 Eagle, and the first stealth fighter, the F-117A Nighthawk. Most recently, Holloman Airmen have led the Air Force in training for both the fourth and fifth generation fighters, F-22 Raptor and the F-16 Fighting Falcon as well as becoming the Air Force's premier training base for the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper.

From 1947 through today, our Airmen are bound together by our warrior ethos, our core values, and our innovated approach to problem solving. The Air Force is nothing without it's Airmen, and Holloman AFB is recognizing four of its own by highlighting their activities on this birthday.

Airman 1st Class Windell Nolan, a financial services technician from the 49th Comptrollers Squadron, originally from Roanoke, Ala., works to provide financial customer service to the entire base population. "The Air Force core values are the foundation of what the Air Force means and stands for, and the Air Force birthday is a time for everyone to recognize the creation of the worlds greatest Air Force," said Nolan.

Airman 1st Class Luis Bedoya, an aerospace ground equipment technician from the 49th Maintenance Squadron, originally from Attleboro, Mass., maintains Holloman aircraft and ensures they are always ready for whatever mission lies ahead.

"I have wanted to wear this uniform since I was a kid," said Bedoya, "I have never imagined myself anywhere else. It's an honor to be featured as a part of this great tradition."

Tech. Sgt. Trevis, a flight chief and sensor operator from the 29th Attack Squadron, originally from Lathrop, Mo., spends his time both honing his skills as a sensor operator and orchestrating the schedules and training of sensor operator students.
"Being able to use state of the art technology to defend our bases and troops overseas is why I wake up every morning," said Trevis. "I couldn't imagine doing anything else with my life."

Master Sgt. Robert Graves, the 49th Wing Staff Agencies superintendent, originally from Akren, Ohio, oversees the Airmen in the 49th WSA, and makes sure the offices run smoothly, a crucial part of the Holloman mission.

"Being able to work with a diverse group of individuals from different back grounds and having the privilege to lead and set my people up for success, is the best part of the job for me," said Graves.

Nolan, Bedoya, Trevis and Graves were nominated by their leadership as examples of the of the Air Force's core values, integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

Regardless of rank, job title, or time in service, pilot or ground support, Holloman  Airmen continue to make history every day.

"Inclusiveness, harnessing the consolidated talents of our Airmen, is what allows us to go forward with the same imagination, innovation and fortitude that built the world's greatest Air Force," said Honorable Deborah Lee James, Secretary of the Air Force.

From 1947 through today, our Airmen are bound together by our warrior ethos, our core values, and our innovative approach to problem solving.

The lessons and legacy of our Airpower pioneers, imaginative and innovative Airmen harnessing new technologies, new strategies and new partnerships--set the course for future Air, Space and Cyberspace capabilities. We will remain a responsive force, providing global vigilance, global reach, and global power.