Base to simultaneously celebrate Air Force, D-M birthdays

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jamie L. Coggan
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE --  In conjunction with the Air Force's 60th anniversary "Heritage to Horizons" celebration this year, the base is scheduled to host its own birthday bash Sep. 14 to commemorate its 80-year presence in Tucson.

"It's going to be one of the biggest celebrations in the history of Davis-Monthan," said Col. Kent Laughbaum, 355th Fighter Wing commander.

The "60/80" celebration will kick off at 6:30 a.m. with a reading of proclamations by the 355th Fighter Wing commander at the Mirage Officers' Club, followed by the reading of the complete four-verse version of the "Star Spangled Banner."

The reading will be followed by a free pancake breakfast until 9 a.m., which also includes bacon, sausage, fruit and beverages. Door prizes and programs will be available upon entry.

Throughout the day, many 355th Services Squadron facilities will be hosting special events and offering discounted specials.

The Blanchard Golf Course is scheduled to host several open contests, with awards for longest drive, longest putt and closest to the pin. Competitions will be separated by gender.

Also, a one-pitch softball competition at Mustang Field is scheduled for all interested squadrons, and the bowling center will be hosting three-game squadron competitions for $5 per person. After each competition, awards will be given to first-, second- and third-place finishers.

The "Heritage Hangar" will open for tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., showcasing several displays highlighting D-M history. The base historian will be present and available to answer questions from visitors.

"People should be excited," said Capt. Jerime Reid, commander of the 355th Services Squadron and head of the event-planning committee. "We're celebrating birthday of the Air force - its history and aviation. On top of that, it's going to be a big event and a lot of fun."

Activities taking place near the hangar will include live music from Tucson band "Tickle," a kids' area with jumping castles, and various sponsors' display booths.

The boxing ring set up near the hangar will feature a safety-first boxing competition, while two-person teams will participate in a horseshoes tournament from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The 355th SVS is also providing a free picnic lunch outside the Heritage Hangar. Birthday cake will be available while awards for all the morning events are announced.

To enjoy the free lunch, visitors must pick up tickets beforehand; they'll be available at the pancake breakfast, golf course, bowling center and softball tournament. Participation in the various events is not required to get a free lunch ticket.

After lunch, each 355th Fighter Wing group will pit their strongest teams against each other in the Tug o'War competition.

At 3 p.m., final recognition will be announced for the bowling, Tug o'War, boxing and horseshoe competitions. Squadrons with the most participants throughout the day's events will win the Squadron Commanders' "Best Team" award.