SAN ANGELO, Texas -- Members assigned to the 17th Training Wing reflected on the Air Force’s past 75 years of achievements and what the future 75 years will unfold, during the annual Air Force Ball, at the McNease Convention Center, in San Angelo, Texas, Sept. 17.
“Since 1947, the United States Air Force has had a history of tinkerers, trailblazers, and innovators enabling our Airmen to demonstrate the utmost courage, honor, and devotion to duty,” said Maj. Gen. Michele Edmondson, Second Air Force commander. “In times of peace and war, from Korea and Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, Airmen have unfailingly provided global reach, power, and engagement in support of our nation’s security.”
Unrivaled across the Department of Defense, retired Gen. Lori Robinson, former 17th TRW commander, was the guest speaker at the ball. Robinson helped transition the base from the Cold War posture to counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, from 2004-2005. Over her 37-year career, Robinson broke many barriers, and was the first female combatant commander in United States history.
“I am so honored to be here, thank you Team Goodfellow,” said Robinson. “We are celebrating 75 years of our United States Air Force. I get emotional about it because I am an Airman. We are going to celebrate it and say thank you to being a separate service. WE brought something different to our joint forces.”
From then to now, the 17th TRW headquartered at Goodfellow Air Force Base has trained more than 18,000 pilots, 60,000 firefighters, and 360,000 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance warriors, serving at nearly every Department of Defense installation across the globe.
“I am humbled and proud to lead the men and women of Second Air Force as we continue to be the premiere organization to train, develop and inspire America’s Airmen for the Department of the Air Force,” said Edmondson.
By reconnecting the past and honoring Goodfellow’s legacy, Raiders will continue Ever into Danger.