An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

97th AMW celebrates 73 years of airpower, at any distance

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Breanna Klemm
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Airmen from the 97th Air Mobility Wing celebrated the U.S. Air Force’s 73rd Birthday with the 2020 Air Force Birthday Celebration, September 19, 2020, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. In alignment with COVID-19 restrictions and health procedures, the 97th AMW held the event outdoors at the Wings of Freedom park. The ceremony began with the singing of the national anthem followed by an invocation. U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Leard, the 97th AMW commander, spoke on the importance of celebrating our heritage while keeping our wingmen safe. Dinner was pre-portioned into color coordinated cups for guests to limit the amount of times the food was touched. Additionally to help keep tradition alive, the youngest Airman and most experienced Airman were invited to cut the official cake for the ceremony. Airmen and their families gathered to help celebrate the Air Force’s Birthday while maintaining a safe distance