Today, 18 September, is the 60th anniversary of the founding the United Stats Air Force, the most powerful air power in the world. Our founders fought hard to prove that having an independent Air Force would lead to a more effective and efficient fighting force capable of supporting land forces, and I think we've done a great job proving their point over the last 6 decades.

We were the tip of the spear throughout the Cold War. Air Power is now the 'first in' to any major conflict to prepare, shape and mold the battlefield for our ground forces. Our space and missile systems are second to none, as are our bomber, fighter, tanker, and transport aircraft.

Even more important is the fact that we have the most highly educated and technologically equipped Enlisted corps in the world. Without them we couldn't get the most technologically advanced and most expensive aircraft in the air, nor could we get the most accurate and lethal weapons within inches of their intended target. Our Enlisted corps is second to none.

It's an honor being an Airman in the best Air Force in the world.

I attended our own Air Force birthday celebration here in Baghdad this morning. We had the standard cutting of the cake by our most junior and senior members, as well as a great speech by our Commanding General, Brigadier General Robert Allardice. I have to admit that I thought his speech was the best I'd heard in years, and not just because he used something I wrote in it. It's nice to work for a person who knows how to make a point, and his point was that our Air force is doing a great job out here in Iraq. Things may be rough, but the mission is getting accomplished by some amazing people throughout the AOR.

So, with my 'near beer' in hand, sitting in the International Zone in Iraq, I toast to the past, present, and future of my Service... the best fighting force on the face of the earth.**

Cheers!

Now... back to the War.