Contents table of - Airlift/Tanker Association

Home of the Brave,
Land of the Free!
Most Americans know the first line of the
Star-spangled Banner – “Oh, say can you see
by the dawn’s early light?” – as well as the
remaining lines of the first verse of a poem
written by Francis Scott Key, but far fewer
know there are three more verses, each laced
with cultural and patriotic symbolism.
Key, a young Washington attorney who,
after sailing out to the British fleet to secure
the release of a captured American during
the War of 1812, was detained by the British
and witnessed, from aboard ship, the bombardment
of Fort McHenry during the night
of 13-14 September 1814.
Defended under the command of Major
George Armistead, the fort withstood the attack,
and the sight of the American flag flying
at dawn inspired the four verses of Key’s
poem, which was written on the way ashore
in the morning.
After circulating as a handbill, the lyrics were
published in a Baltimore newspaper, under the
title “Defense of Fort McHenry,”on 20 September
1814. The tune was taken from the English
popular song “To Anacreon in Heaven.”
The designation of The Star-spangled Banner
as the national anthem first became official
by executive order of President Wilson
in 1916. This order was confirmed by act of
Congress in 1931.
There is currently another bill, aimed at
clearing up confusion as to whether veterans
and service members out of uniforn can or
should salute the flag, making its way through
Congress. The Senate version, S. 1877, introduced
by U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.),
passed by unanimous consent; the House version,
H.R. 3380, is currently in committee.
Personally, I hope the bill passes and is
signed by the president. I agree with Senator
Inhofe, and, “…look forward to seeing those
who have served saluting proudly at baseball
games, parades, and formal events. I believe
this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize
the 25 million veterans…who are currently
serving or have served in the military
[and] have earned this right, and their recognition
will be an inspiration to others.”
Whether or not you agree, you will no doubt
agree that the award winners highlighted in
this edition of A/TQ are all “an inspiration!”
And, speaking of inspiration, I’ll close with the
last lines of The Star-spangled Banner –
Then conquer we must,
when our cause is just,
And this be our motto:
“In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in
triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and
the home of the brave.
Respectfully,
Collin Bakse, editor
Chairman’s
Comments
Gen Ronald R. Fogleman
USAF, Ret
Welcome to Nashville…and the 2007 National Convention. The
Association, working with Air Mobility Command, has put together
what we sincerely believe to be one of the top professional, educational
and social events of the year for the Air Mobility community. Our
theme, “The Many Faces of Air Mobility, Yesterday, Today and
Tomorrow,” places an emphasis on the individual as being the key to
the success of the team providing America with the unique ability to
project and sustain combat power or humanitarian aid anywhere in
the world.
The convention gives us the opportunity to look back on our
accomplishments and look forward to the challenges of the future.
During the last half of the Twentieth Century airpower changed
the nature of warfare. Mobility forces played a major role in that
transformation. That legacy continues. By any measure of merit, 2007 has been a busy
year for the Air Mobility Command Total Force team of Active, Guard, Reserve and civilian
personnel. Unflagging support of our Coalition Forces engaged in the War on Terror, numerous
humanitarian efforts and the need to train has given the Air Force and Department of Defense
senior leadership a new appreciation for operational tempo when they see an AMC mission
being launched or recovered every ninety seconds on a sustained 24/7 basis.
Key milestones in force modernization occurred this year with the release of the KC-X request
for proposal. The candidate programs are currently under review with a decision expected before
the end of the year. A new mobility asset, the C-27 emerged as a result of the JCA initiative.
This capability will be fielded by Army and Air Force Total Force teams. The C-17 continues to
demonstrate unparalled capability as it performs both intra and inter theater missions at a rate
never anticipated when the original program was established. Our convention program will
feature presentations by key leaders from the Air Force acquisition community.
Another major milestone this year was the change of command at AMC. With the departure
of General Duncan McNabb and the arrival of General Art Lichte, the men and women of
the Command have been, and will be, well served by two extraordinary leaders. We wish the
McNabbs well as they return to Washington and General McNabb takes on the duties of the
Vice Chief of Staff. We welcome the Lichtes and look forward to giving General Lichte a forum
at the convention to share his vision and plans for the future.
Miss Jane and I look forward to seeing all of you and having the opportunity to walk among
real American heroes…represented by the many faces of Air Mobility.
On the Cover: Illustrating the 2007 conventon theme, the cover montage for this edition of
A/TQ is comprised of many faces from across Air Mobility – past, present and future. There are
images of air mobility pioneers, A/TA Hall of Famers, A/TA Founding Members, vintage and
current aircraft, and many young faces symbolizing air mobility’s present and future. (Photo
Montage by: Collin R. Bakse).
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2007