Valdosta, Moody celebrate USAF 70 year history

  • Published
  • By Airman Eugene Oliver
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs

Team Moody and members of the local community gathered to commemorate the Air Force’s 70th birthday, Sept. 16, at Freedom Park in Valdosta, Georgia.

Over 250 people participated in festivities, which included a 5k race, rock climbing, face painting and a proclamation signing.

“We wanted to show how much gratitude we have for our Airmen,” said John Gayle, mayor of Valdosta. “We have always had a strong relationship with the Air Force and want to ensure that we have another 70 years to continue to grow and prosper together.”

Along with celebrating the Air Force’s birthday, local community leaders showed their appreciation by proclaiming Sept. 16 as “U.S. Air Force Day” in Lowndes County and Valdosta.

“Since our inception the U.S. Air Force has always been at the forefront of air power and dominance,” said Col. Jennifer Short, 23d Wing commander, “The Air Force’s history is full of outstanding achievements and accomplishments that we strive every day to live up to.”

While Moody’s current generation celebrated, attendees were able to meet a living example of the Air Force’s history dating back to before its inception.

“It’s remarkable to see how the Air Force has evolved and grown over the last 70 years and I’m proud to have been a part of it,” said retired Chief Master Sgt. Jim E. Harring.

Harring first enlisted in the Navy on June 15, 1942, then proceeded to enlist in the Army Air Corps on Jan. 8, 1947, and was a charter member of the Air Force when it was first established in September of that same year.

“Jim Harring is living history of the Air Force’s great story and we are so grateful and appreciative for the impact Moody has had on our community,” said Gayle. “We are so happy that our community and military were able to come together and celebrate our 70-plus year partnership.”