COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime personnel came together in the Building 20 Auditorium Sept. 14 to celebrate the 69th birthday of the U.S. Air Force.
During his welcome remarks, Jim McClaugherty, acting DLA Land and Maritime commander and retired Air Force Col. reflected on the longstanding resilience of the force.
“Since 1947, our Air Force has had the most technologically advanced systems and platforms and some of the most capable and professional warfighters in the world,” McClaugherty said. “Through it all, our airmen have performed magnificently.
“They've adapted and built upon the best traditions and core values of our Air Force.”
A short video was played which represented this year’s birthday theme “American Airmen bringing airpower to the joint fight.” The video highlighted Airmen contributing to the support of joint operations around the world.
Newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David A. Goldfein addressed the audience in a recorded video message, speaking about a legacy of greatness already apparent in the military’s youngest fighting force.
“We stand on the shoulders of men and women who’ve led the Air Force with courage and compassion,” Goldfein said.
A large contingent of DLA Land and Maritime associates are former service members, including the event’s keynote speaker, retired Air Force Master Sgt. Adrienne McGeachy. Following her time on active duty, McGeachy became an intern at DLA while continuing her service in the Air Force Reserves.
In her remarks, she spoke about how her military service prepared her for a career at DLA.
“In the life of a modern Airman, you need to find a balance between your career, your family, and yourself,” McGeachy said. “To be successful, you need to learn to prioritize and organize what’s important in your life, even if you’re being pulled in different directions.
“Give yourself room to grow, regardless of how you start off on your journey.”
McGeachy’s journey led her to senior management at the agency, including positions in Order Fulfillment, Demand Planning, and Mediation. Her current position is with DLA HQ Logistics Operations.
After McGeachy’s remarks, Air Force Tech Sgt. Suzannah Haley took the stage and led the audience in The Airman’s Creed, reciting the familiar pledge to “Fly, Fight, and Win.”
A photo slideshow of former and current Airmen from across Defense Supply Center Columbus flashed on a large screen as audience members cheered for their coworkers as they recognized each other from the images.
While some of the audience members hadn’t worn the familiar Air Force blue in years, the loyalty to their service branch was apparent as patriotic shouts rang through the auditorium.
For the traditional cake cutting ceremony, McClaugherty was joined on stage by Tech Sgt. Elijah Loughridge as the oldest and youngest Airmen in attendance, respectively.
Following the event, attendees gathered outside the auditorium for birthday cake and refreshments as they recognized another year passing in the Air Force’s distinguished history.