BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (Sept. 18, 2008) – The sounds of AC-130 gunships, A-10s and F-15s roaring overhead is nothing new to the Soldiers stationed at Bagram, an Army air field in eastern Afghanistan. In fact, many ground forces here come to rely on the air power their brothers in blue bring to the fight daily.

Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians all gathered in the Morale, Welfare and Recreation clamshell here today to rock to the sounds of the Combined Joint Task Force-101 band and to ring in the Air Force’s 61st birthday.

Bagram is where the rubber meets the road and where Airmen must revolutionize their combat mindsets, explained by Brig. Gen. Tod D. Wolters, guest speaker and deputy commander for political-military affairs at Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.

“We are finding ways to defeat this enemy right here, at Bagram, in the heart of the combat zone,” said Wolter, a seasoned fighter pilot and life-long friend of Brig. Gen. Mike Holmes, the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and ranking Airman on Bagram Air Field.

Since its activation in 2002, the 455th AEW, a tenant unit on BAF,  has supported ground troops with close-air support and the airlift of supplies and troops.

Wolters explained that the Air Force goes beyond just the fly boys and noted that all Airmen contribute to the mission of: fly, fight and win.

Dedicating one’s life to the force is the only true guarantee of success. Afghanistan-based Airmen are doing just that and accomplishing spectacular feats here in country, said Wolters.

When you compare 2008 to 2007, we are flying 156 percent more sorties and at the same time pinpointing accuracy, said Wolters, who noted the number of civilian casualties declined nearly 200% since last year.

For Wolters, whose family is rich in Air Force heritage, the success of his service is an unwavering commitment.

“The Air Force is the only life I know and I want no other one,” he said. “When I go to my grave, I want to be draped in my service dress blues, just like my father.”

With the conclusion of the general’s remarks and a cake-cutting ceremony, all Airmen in attendance stood and, in unison, sung the Air Force song. A brisk look around revealed not only Airmen, but all service members where at the position of attention and singing along – which stood as a true testimony to the admiration and respect Bagram-based Airmen earned here.