Today marks 16 years since I took my Oath of Office and accepted a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in my beloved Air Force.  Today marks the point where I have guaranteed fewer years ahead of me in my career than behind me as I continue the march to retirement.  I took this photograph several months back, to highlight the history of my beloved Air Force.  It brings me comfort to think that I have left my fingerprints on the history of the world, my nation, and my Air Force.

A rich heritage and an even brighter future…..

From bottom left corner, clockwise:

• World War II Navigator “Wings” and an Australian made 5th Air Force Patch on top of European Theater photographs .
• Overseas Hat from the immediate Post-World War I era Air Service with a World War II-era Bullion “Hap Arnold” Air Forces Patch (top)
• 1950s Air Force Post Cards (top right corner)
• The Airman’s Coin I was presented when I was commissioned with the coin of the 12th Space Warning Squadron (my first assignment.)  The 9/11 memorial tab and flight suit name patch for my time with the 10th Missile Squadron.
• An Army Commendation Medal awarded to M/Sgt Cedric V. Smith and an Air Force Commendation Medal awarded to Maj Lindon E. Strand.  The clear plastic cases were used in the 1950s and 1960s.