4 Nov 2020

Remembering their sacrifice

Veterans Day is celebrated Nov. 11 every year to commemorate the signing of the armistice to end World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. It is a day set aside to remember and think about the veterans who paid the ultimate price in the past and even the recent wars today. It is the time to reflect on the freedoms gained and maintained due to the bravery of every man and woman who fought in combat.

5 Mar 2018

Heritage Flight: making a connection

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz., -- The U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight Training and Certification Course demonstrates the evolution of the USAF's airpower by flying today’s fighter aircraft in formation with World War II, Korean and Vietnam War - era aircraft. The training includes a performance of formations by current USAF fighters such as F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor and A-10 Thunderbolt II along with historical warbirds like the P-51 Mustang, P-38 Lightning, P-40 Warhawk and F-86 Sabre.

5 Mar 2018

Heritage Flight Training Course dazzles DM community

Davis-Monthan Air Force base hosts the annual Heritage Flight Training course prior to the air show season as a familiarization opportunity for active duty pilots to fly in formation with WWII and Korean-era planes. Each morning prior to the day’s training sorties, the ramp is open to service members, veterans, and their families.

6 Nov 2017

Korean War veterans reunite for one last hoorah

A reunion is held for this association every year at different bases around the states. This year, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina had the privilege to host the final official reunion for the group, Oct. 26-28, 2017.

26 Jul 2017

Greatest Heroes of the 4th Fighter Wing: 75th Anniversary Edition

Among the most significant “firsts” achieved by the “Fourth But First” was James Jabara becoming the world’s first all jet ace in the Korean War. Not only was this an accomplishment that garnered Jabara eternal fame in world history, he achieved this distinction in the most difficult of circumstances. James Jabara was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Oct. 10, 1923. He was first generation American, his family was from Lebanon. He was raised in Wichita, Kansas, and said to be a patriotic American with a great work ethic. Jabara worked in the family grocery store and earned the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts. Young Jabara probably never realized that his amazing future was hurtling at him at supersonic speed. With World War II underway, Jabara entered flight school as a teenager and earned his wings in 1943. He flew a P-51 Mustang in the 363rd Fighter Group of the 9th Air Force in Europe. Jabara flew more than 100 combat missions, was credited with destroying 1.5 German planes, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war Jabara remained in the Air Force and became a jet pilot

26 Jul 2017

Air Force veteran turns 100

Robert Kirtley was born July 26, 1917, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He is a WWII and Korean War veteran who served in the Air Force for more than 25 years. Like many men from his generation he has mastered the art of the understatement. On turning 100, he said, “Well, one hundred years is a long time,” and reflecting on some of the most vicious fighting during WWII, he said, “I didn’t really fancy getting shot at.”

5 May 2017

F-86 Sabre veterans deactivate 35-year association

Throughout the storied past of Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force, many aircraft have laid the foundation for today’s fleet of air power.

4 May 2016

Long awaited Purple Heart

Julius Farrar, after six decades, was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries that he sustained during the Korean War a ceremony in his honor on at Nellis AFB, on April 28.