Air Force photo by Dave Faytinger

Representing the history of the military, members of the 45th Infantry Division Museum line the stage in vintage uniforms for the Air Force Ball. Col. Mark Correll, 72nd Air Base Wing and installation commander, talks about 60th anniversary of the Air Force during the program. (Air Force photo by Dave Faytinger)

Air Force photo by Dave Faytinger

In a solemn ceremony at the start of the Air Force Ball, Tinker Honor Guard members inverted glasses at an empty table, a reminder of the prisoners of war and those mission in action from all branches of service. Honor Guard members from left, are; Airman 1st Class Willie Hart, Master Sgt. Jay Brimmer, Staff Sgt. Ezra Atkins and Staff Sgt. Kenneth Oellien. (Air Force photo by Dave Faytinger)

Air Force photo by Dave Faytinger

Col. Mark Correll, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander, Airman 1st Class Ross Brow, 72nd Mission Support Group, and Col. Roger Goetz, 72nd Medical Group commander, from left, cut the cake during the ball. Airman Brow was the youngest and Colonel Goetz was the oldest at the ball, a ceremony tradition. (Air Force photo by Dave Faytinger)

Air Force photo by Dave Faytinger

Senior Master Sgt. Leroy Lewis and his wife Tammy look at vintage military uniforms and equipment displayed at the Air Force Ball Sept. 14, held at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Sergeant Lewis is with the 373rd Training Squadron, Detachment 9. (Air Force photo by Dave Faytinger)

‘Heritage to Horizons’: Hundreds attend annual Air Force Ball

Published Sept. 24, 2007
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- It was flawless. The Air Force Ball went off without a hitch.
   More than 500 Airmen, civilians and prominent community members attended the black-tie affair Sept. 14 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Held in the grandiose Sam Noble Special Events Center, guests commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Air Force via the theme: "Celebrating the Past, Serving the Future."
   "It really is an honor to be here," said Brig. Gen. Michael Longoria, guest speaker and special assistant for Air Force Cyber Command issues to the Director of Plans and Programs at Air Combat Command Headquarters at Langley Air Force Base, Va. "I can't think of any better way to celebrate the Air Force's birthday than here with Team Tinker and all of the great folks."
   The formal program, which included a three-course catered sit-down dinner, followed an hour-long cocktail hour, and began promptly at 7 p.m. Four speakers including General Longoria took to the stage one-at-a-time.
   General Longoria, the most prominent of the presenters, spoke for 30 minutes and showed two videos. The first summarized how the Air Force aides the Army in the fight the global war on terror.
   "The Secretary of the Air Force developed this last year when he was giving a presentation to West Point cadets," the general said. "It was filmed specially to tell the Army what the Air Force is doing for them."
   The second video showed the nearly 70 Airmen who were killed since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorism attacks fighting the war on terror in Iraq or Afghanistan.
   During the second video, sniffles were heard and the back half of ballroom guests stood. Many Airmen stood at attention, while civilians proudly looked on at the memorial of slides commemorating the lives of the deceased Airmen.
   "You are part of this long blue line, since before 1947 even, and it's up to you, a younger group that's going to take the Air Force into the next horizon," the general said.
   Before General Longoria exited the stage, Col. Mark Correll, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander, expressed several words of gratitude to the general and presented him with gifts -- a donation in the general's name to the Airman's Attic at Tinker and Langley AFB, plus his coin.
   "Those who are not moved, who are not motivated, who are not inspired by the video and the words by General Longoria are missing the point," Colonel Correll said.
   Other ball presenters included Col. Lori J. Robinson, 552nd Air Control Wing commander, who spoke about the 30th anniversary of the Airborne Warning and Control System; Colonel Correll who spoke about the Air Force's 60th anniversary; and Col. James Appleyard, 3rd Combat Communications Group commander, who spoke about the 3rd Herd's 50th anniversary.
   Before the three-hour formal presentation concluded, Tinker's oldest and youngest Airmen took part in a ceremonial cake cutting. Col. Roger Goetz, 72nd Medical Group commander, and Airman 1st Class Ross Brow, of the 72nd Mission Support Group, respectively, participated.
   After the formal presentation ended, guests were invited to dance to the Tinker Flying High 18-piece band's big-band music. Many stayed and mingled. Others exited with favors -- a tumbler drinking glass and commemorative coin. Airmen Against Drunk Driving officials waited at the building's entrance to escort anyone who requested their services home.
   "It was an excellent experience," said Senior Airman Bethany Tolley, A2D2 president, who attended her first ball with husband Staff Sgt. Christopher Tolley. Airman Tolley also led guests in the Air Force song at the conclusion of the formal program. "It was awesome. My favorite part of the night was General Longoria's speech about all the branches and how they work together. I love these experiences and learning about people's careers.
   "I'd come back and bring more guests."