Nellis and Creech Airmen celebrate 62 years of air power Published Sept. 24, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Aileen Carter Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The most expected setting for a display of air dominance typically takes place on the flight line or in the air at most Air Force bases, but not this night. On the night of Sept. 19, Airmen and their families, service members and Las Vegas community members celebrated the Air Force's 62nd birthday at the Nellis-Creech Air Force Ball at the Mirage Resort Casino. This year's ball was themed "Global Engagement" in honor of the many contributions and sacrifices of Airmen serving this nation, who are deployed throughout the world. As each Air Force ball guest was checked in, he or she was given orders, similar to that of actual deployment orders, to report to their table assignment. Each of the tables was dedicated to a different deployment location where Airmen are currently serving at. The event also featured three static displays of very familiar sights when deployed: an MQ-1 Predator, an HD-1 explosive ordnance unmanned remote robot and a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle. For some attendees, this Air Force ball was a first. "My chief said he had tickets to the Air Force ball, and I jumped on it," said Staff Sgt. Paris Fadden, an A-10 Warthog environmental electrician from the 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "This is one of few events that you get to dress up for and also meet your chain of command, see how they are and follow their lead." "My NCO (noncommissioned officer in charge) gave out tickets, so I took advantage of the opportunity to come out to my first Air Force ball and celebrate with everybody," said Senior Airman Steven Cronin, an A-10 Warthog avionics specialist with the 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. But the celebration would not have been complete without a live broadcast with one of our deployed Airman. Tech. Sgt. Mark Lance, a Nellis liquid fuels technician deployed to the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, greeted all attendees through a live-video conference from Iraq. As all eyes remained fixed on the screen after the broadcast concluded, the live interview was followed by moving stories told from Airmen who have deployed. "We have at any given time about 15 percent of the uniform cooperation from Nellis and Creech in theater, and we deploy about 2,000 men and women into harm's way each year," said Col. Dave Belote, 99th Air Base Wing commander. "I am so proud to wear this uniform; I am so proud to share my heritage with the men and women of southern Nevada. Thank you very much. Happy 62nd birthday, United States Air Force." With the support and generous contribution from the Nellis Support Team and friends of Nellis, the Air Force ball was a success. Although the actual birthday of the Air Force was Sept. 18, Nellis and Creech leadership chose to celebrate a day later since Sept. 18 was the National Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day.
