D-M FW Reunion

Members of the D-M community joined together to clean up Heritage Park April 19 in preparation of the 355th Fighter Wing Reunion. More than 400 D-M members and their families volunteered to clean up the park. After the park was clean, the D-M 1st Sergeants grilled burgers and hot dogs for all the volunteers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alesia Goosic)

D-M FW Reunion

Airmen First Class David Lopez, right, and Kevin Hetzler, both 355th Equipment Maintenance Squadron sheet metal journeymen, sand down an old A-10 at Heritage Park Jan. 25. All nine planes at the park will receive restoration over the next few months to get ready for the 355th Fighter Association 65th Annual Reunion April 24 to 27. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alesia D. Goosic)

Welcome to the 355th Fighter Association reunion

Published April 23, 2008
By Col. Kent Laughbaum
355th Fighter Wing commander

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Dear 355th Fighter Association Veterans,

Welcome to the 355th Fighter Association reunion! We gather in celebration of the rich combat heritage of the 355th Fighter Wing from World War II to the on-going Global War on Terror.

We are the "Steeple Morden Strafers," who contributed greatly towards defeating Nazi-Germany in the P-47 and P-51 during World War II. We flew more than 100,000 missions in the F-105 against North Vietnam in the effort to defeat Communism. And today, thousands of Airmen from our ranks have been engaged in combat operations across Afghanistan, Iraq, and North Africa. These Airmen have sworn their lives to defend our Constitution and country as previous 355th Airmen have done, and our war-fighting record will add significantly to the 355th heritage.

Our Airman's Creed states, "I am my nation's sword and shield," and "I am faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of honor, and a legacy of valor." In spirit and in action, today's Airmen share a deep bond with our brothers from WWII and Vietnam.

This reunion will be one of remembrance and fellowship as we commemorate the high standard of bravery and heroism set by previous 355th warriors over Europe and Vietnam. The example set by 355th veterans inspires us today in southwest Asia as we continue the mission to "Fly, Fight, and Win!"

Colonel Kent Laughbaum
Commander
355th Fighter Wing