Wing celebrates anniversary with showcase month

  • Published
  • By Col. Kenneth Todorov
  • 23rd Wing commander
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  October 1 marks the one-year anniversary of Moody's transition to the 23rd Wing and what a year it has been. In its first 12 months, the wing has already experienced many historic moments.

We said a sad farewell to the 479th Flying Training Group and the T-38 and T-6 aircraft that had occupied Moody's skies for many years. At the same time, we welcomed the Flying Tigers of the 23rd Fighter Group and their A-10 aircraft. And in June we celebrated the opening of the Parker Greene Consolidated Base Support Center with the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. T. Michael Moseley.

Our courageous efforts have also been highlighted around the world through features on CNN and the Air Force's "Do Something Amazing" advertising campaign. Now as we reach the wing's first birthday, the base will celebrate this feat with a month of showcase events.

First up is the Flying Tigers Reunion Oct. 4-6. At that time, hundreds of former and current Flying Tigers will meet here to pay their respects to the unit's historic legacy. They will also observe how this lineage has grown with the addition of Moody's rescue and protect capabilities.

After the reunion, we roll right into Moody AirFest 2007 Oct. 20-21. This is our opportunity to showcase the base to the more than 70,000 civilians expected to visit Moody over the weekend.

The show will highlight Moody's attack, rescue and protect mission specialties. In addition to having a full combat search and rescue demonstration, several different units will also show-off their talents with static displays and ground demonstrations.

And for the first time since 2003, we will have the Air Force's premier aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, culminate each day's show. Moody AirFest will also feature several of the world's top civilian demonstration teams including Aeroshell and the jet-engine powered truck, Shockwave.

To kick-off the weekend, the base will host a special evening event Oct. 19 for Team Moody members. All military identification card holders are invited to attend the night airshow, which will include civilian acts conducting specially-modified routines. A fireworks show will conclude the action-packed night.

You can expect to see a lot more information coming soon on specific details for the AirFest, including a special pullout in The Volunteer that will have a listing of each event and a map of attractions.

There is still a lot of work to be done to get the base prepared for these events. I know many of you are working diligently to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. I have no doubt each of you will make Moody shine. Thank you for your hard work and dedication in making sure the 23rd Wing has a great birthday celebration.