Commentary: AF celebrates 68 years of airpower Published Sept. 13, 2015 By Col. Shawn "Rob" Burrus 157th Air Refueling Wing Commander PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. -- This month the U.S. Air Force celebrates its 68th birthday and its proud heritage of providing unsurpassed air, space and cyber capabilities to our nation. It began on Sept. 18, 1947 when the Air Force became a separate branch of the military, signifying a pledge to leverage the most precise and reliable technology available for our defense in the air. Throughout our rich history at Pease, our core functions have evolved, but our responsibility to project America's strength through global reach remains. Today, Airmen around the globe employ new technology and deliver global vigilance, reach and power for the joint team in responding to a changing world. As we celebrate our past, we also celebrate our bright future as an Air National Guard led main operating base for the next generation tanker, the KC-46A Pegasus. While the Air Force enjoys a strong connection to state-of-the-art technology, we must never forget that everything we do, all of our successes, depends on each of you in this organization. Together we have an opportunity to add a bright new chapter to the Air Force and Air National Guard story, united as a total force team committed to our mission to preserve, protect, and serve the United States at home and abroad. The challenges confronting our nation are great; but together we have never failed to answer our nation's call. Working together in common purpose as one Air Force, we will keep America secure today and for all the years to come. Happy birthday, Air Force!