97 AMW celebrates 73 years of airpower, at any distance
By Senior Airman Breanna Klemm, 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
/ Published September 22, 2020
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- 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