Ramstein celebrates 72nd USAF birthday

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bass
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The Ramstein Air Base Honor Guard presents the colors during the 72nd Air Force birthday Ball at Ramstein Air Base, Sept. 21. More than 900 Airmen gathered in the dual-bay hangar on Ramstein to celebrate the Air Force’s birthday.

 

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew S. Husemann, 86th Airlift Wing vice commander, delivers opening remarks during the 72nd Air Force birthday Ball at Ramstein Air Base, Sept. 21. Husemann is a command pilot with more than 3,000 hours in four different airframes.

 

Mr. Scott C. Lockard, 86th Airlift Wing vice director (left), U.S. Air Force Airman Zackary Treadwell, 86th Maintenance Group (middle), and U.S. Air Force Col. Robert S. Thompson, 86th Mission Support Group commander (right), cut the birthday cake during the 72nd Air Force birthday Ball at Ramstein Air Base, Sept. 21. Tradition dictates that the oldest Airman in attendance and the youngest Airman in attendance cut the cake. Lockard represented the civilian force, Treadwell the enlisted force, and Thompson the commissioned force.

 

Attendees of the 72nd Air Force birthday Ball raise a silent toast to the Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Americans during the ball at Ramstein Air Base, Sept. 21. During the POW/MIA toast, a glass of water is raised to honor those service members who cannot be at the ball to celebrate with them.

 

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Jazz and Rock bands perform during the 72nd Air Force birthday ball at Ramstein Air Base, Sept. 21. The band played two sets, a formal jazz set during the dinner portion and a dance set after the formal portion of the evening.

 

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Jazz and Rock bands preform during the 72nd Air Force birthday Ball at Ramstein Air Base, Sept. 21. The bands played two sets, a formal jazz set during the dinner portion, and a dance set after the formal portion of the evening.