LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS –
Team Lackland celebrated the Air Force's 60th Anniversary Sept. 17 in the Lackland Base Library. The cake cutting ceremony officially ended the week-long series of festivities, marking the official date of the Air Force's recognition as an independent service of the United States Armed Forces.
Commander of the 37th Mission Support Group Col. Bob LaBrutta was on hand as the speaker for the ceremony. The celebration was a little sweeter for Colonel LaBrutta because he shares his birthday with the Air Force.
Airman Basic Zachary Bruhn, 19, of the 342nd Training Wing was selected to be a part of the cake cutting ceremony with Colonel LaBrutta for being the youngest enlisted member of the Air Force on hand.
"That was a surprise. I come to the library almost every day around this time, and today they had cake. I guess it was a good day to come to the library," said Airman Bruhn jokingly.
The Air Force currently has close to 700,000 airmen including active duty, Reserve, civilian and Guard personnel. Of that total, 35,000 are currently deployed to 120 different nations, including 900 members of Team Lackland.
"We should all celebrate and honor the memory sacrifice and contributions given to our country," Colonel LaBrutta said.
The ceremony officially came to a close with those on hand singing "Happy Birthday" to Colonel LaBrutta followed by a soaring rendition of the Air Force Song.