Posted on 09/18/2026 5:44:09 PM PDT by fidelis
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On Sept. 18, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) joins a grateful nation in celebrating the 79th birthday of the United States Air Force and honoring the generations of airmen whose service and sacrifice have helped defend America at home and around the world.
Born from the U.S. Army Air Forces, the Air Force was established on Sept. 18, 1947, with the signing of the National Security Act of 1947. In the nearly eight decades since, airmen have built a proud legacy of courage, innovation and excellence while answering the nation’s call in times of war and peace.
From defending America’s skies, and delivering troops and supplies across the globe to conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, providing humanitarian assistance and maintaining America’s strategic deterrence, the men and women of the Air Force perform critical missions every day.
Behind every aircraft launched, mission completed and life saved are airmen who have committed themselves to something greater than themselves. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice, while others carry with them the visible and unseen costs of service. All are part of a legacy that generations of American airmen have built since 1947.
The more than 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary salute our nation’s airmen currently serving today and all those who came before them. We are grateful for your courage, your sacrifice and your continued commitment to defending our nation.
Happy 79th birthday, Air Force!
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Thank you very much and God bless you,
Jim
“Happy 79th Birthday, United States Air Force”
Thank you!
10 May 1963-1 Jan 1984.
If they aren’t nice then we will make them Army again, they died by the many 10s of thousands as army.
Happy birthday, USAF, and thank you.
I remember this from when I was a kid:
They took the blue from the skies
And a pretty girl’s eyes
And a touch of Old Glory’s hue,
And gave it to the men who proudly wear
The U. S. Air Force Blue,
The U. S. Air Force Blue.
Oh they are men with a dream
On America’s team
They’re a rugged and ready crew,
And you can bet your boots
The world looks up
To U. S. Air Force Blue,
To U. S. Air Force Blue.
They know where they’re going,
They set their course,
The sky’s no limit in the Air Force!
They took the blue from the skies
And a pretty girl’s eyes
And a touch of Old Glory’s hue,
And gave it to the men who proudly wear
The U. S. Air Force Blue,
The U. S. Air Force Blue!
Happy Birthday to the US Air Force!
Happy Birthday USAF.
Don’t forget that you were birthed by USAAF. I can’t imagine being downrange without airplanes. With USAF ground crews, munitions, mechanics, pilots, etc. I love you.
Now let’s talk about the Space Force birthday. Heehee.
I am just a dog face Army grunt, and I love my brothers and sisters. Navy, USMC, AF, Coasties. Patriots all.
16 September 1976--14 September 1981. AFSC 81150.
Fly, Fight, Win!
I have been part of the USAF for over half its life. Last week I hit 40 years combined active and civil service. And BMT in 1986 seems like yesterday.
In honor of the occasion, the Military Star Card gave double rewards points for purchases today, and an extra .05¢ discount on gas. I found out too late to do me any good, but I think they do that every September 18. Naturally I filled my gas tank and bought groceries yesterday. I marked my calendar for next time.
Congrats airmen! Very good! Almost as good as the Navy.👨🦲
My later Father started with the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942 during WWII and retired when it was the U.S. Air Force in 1956.
Aim high!
22 July 1976 - 1 August 1998.
Still seems like yesterday. I’ve been retired longer than I was serving!
OTS Lackland AFB spring and summer 1963. I can still smell that sweet Texas air at 0500 out on PT field!
Wow! I remember “40 and Forward”! I guess I really am getting old.
I retired military/civil service with 47 years total!
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