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AFA hosts 60th anniversary banquet

  • Published
  • By Capt. Nora Eyle
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
The Cheyenne Cowboy Chapter 357 of the Air Force Association hosted more than 150 military members, civic leaders and retirees at the Cheyenne Holiday Inn October 27 in celebration of the Air Force Association's 60th anniversary.

The master of ceremonies and local chapter president, Irene Johnigan, honored servicemembers in Wyoming and around the world for service to their country.

"It is our privilege to support you; we know how much you sacrifice yourselves," she said.

Retired Chief Master Sergeant Bob Rowland, Warren's first security police group command chief, praised local community relations.

Chief Rowland stated, "No other community is like ours; we have unbelievable relations between Cheyenne and the base."

Maj. Gen. Thomas Deppe, Twentieth Air Force commander, was the guest speaker, and he thanked the AFA for its support.

"My hat is off to the AFA; they have provided such leadership to Airmen," he said.

In addition, General Deppe highlighted Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley's priorities for the Air Force to include fighting the Global War on Terrorism, developing Airmen and recapitalizing the force.

The general also talked about ways 20th AF was supporting these priorities.

He referenced how the 90th Space Wing is sending more senior security forces Airmen to the missile fields rather than newly assigned Airmen.  These experienced Airmen, "earned the right and prvilege to work the mission; 90th Security Forces has been the first to do it under Col. Mike Carey's leadership," General Deppe said.

"The nuclear mission and what we deal with everyday is serious business," he said. "We couldn't meet our mission without the support from people like you.  I am very proud to be the Twentieth Air Force commander and to be stationed at the true heart of this great country."

In closing, he said, "Our members have the peace of mind to know they can deploy and leave their family here and know the Cheyenne community cares about the family they left behind."

The AFA sponsored more than 30 Airmen to attend the event and be recognized for their accomplishments.