Moody celebrates 60 years of heritage

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Team Moody celebrated the Air Force's 60th birthday in a ceremony Sept. 18 at the Moody Field Club.

Guest speaker Chief Master Sgt. (retired) Earl Hendrix reflected on a legacy of air, space and cyberspace power and encouraged the Air Force to look forward to 60 more years of dominance.

Chief Hendrix was assigned at Moody from October 1979 until November 1983. During this time he served as the 347th Tactical Fighter Wing's senior enlisted advisor and was promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant.

He spoke to a packed ballroom of Team Moody members, all sharing a common bond of Air Force heritage.

"I've been proud to be a member of the United States Air Force for over 50 years," said Chief Hendrix. "It's important to know where you've been and to know where you're going. This is the greatest Air Force the world has ever seen and it gets even better with you, the leaders of tomorrow. I'm confident the Air Force is in good hands."

Col. Kenneth Todorov, 23rd Wing commander, concluded the day's celebration with a few inspiring words for Airmen to consider.

"Sixty years ago today, Stuart Symington raised his right hand and was sworn in as the first secretary of the Air Force," said Colonel Todorov. "On that day, he said, 'No Air Force can be created by legislative action alone. All the National Security Act of 1947 did was give us a green light. It must be considered an opportunity and not and accomplishment.' 

"We have done some amazing things with that opportunity. The first 60 years have been an incredible ride, with achievements such as the Berlin airlift, winning the cold war, and now the Global War on Terrorism, where we continue our legacy of greatness," the colonel added.

"As great as our first 60 years have been, you, the Airmen of the 23rd Wing have the incredible opportunity to be part of its future for years to come," he said. "What a tremendous opportunity we all have. We are the greatest, most powerful Air Force in the world, and all of you will play a big part in seeing that it stays that way."