Doris Hernandez models a Khaki Shade 1 Women in the Air Force transition uniform worn between 1947 and 1950. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)
9/17/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:
"As we celebrate the United States Air Force's 65th birthday, we salute all of the dedicated Airmen who serve or have served in our Nation's youngest and most innovative Service.
"Throughout our proud history, the Air Force has embraced the technology that continues to revolutionize our capabilities in air, space and cyberspace. We owe an enormous debt to the ground-breaking visionaries and engineering pioneers who brought the technology of flight to life, and to the professional strategists and tacticians who imagined the military possibilities of these new technologies and propelled the science, theory and application forward.
"While our service enjoys an unbreakable connection to state-of-the-art technology, we must never forget that everything we do depends on our people, the living engine of our Air Force. Today, more than ever, the Air Force can take pride that our service culture promotes and benefits from the know-how, determination, and commitment of a diverse group of men and women who embody our Core Values -- Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do -- while pursuing adaptive and innovative solutions for our nation's security.
"Every day, our Airmen have an opportunity to add a bright new chapter to the Air Force story by serving our nation in the world's finest air force. The challenges confronting our country are great; but our active duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian Airmen have never failed to answer our Nation's call. Working together in common purpose as one Air Force, we will keep America secure today and for all the years to come.
"Happy birthday, Air Force! Aim High ... Fly-Fight-Win!"