Falcons gather at Eglin Dining Out

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Franks
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Falcons past, present and future gathered together Sept. 18-20 for the 96th Air Base Wing reunion to reflect back on the wing's history, learn about what the Airmen are doing today and talk about where the wing will go tomorrow. 

More than 300 Airmen from across the wing turned out for the signature event... the 96th ABW "Gathering of Falcons" Dining Out. 

"I thought it was important to tell the current Airmen of the wing where their legacy comes from," said Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th ABW commander and President of the Mess. 

While dining outs typically have guest speakers, the "Gathering of Falcons" had three distinct speakers to talk about the past, present and future of the wing and the Air Force. 

The first speaker was Col. Joe Stanley, former Eglin Installation Commander in 1954, who at age 102 shared his experience of the Air Corp from 80 years ago. 

He talked about his military life during the 1930's: his pay check of $245.50 and the price of gasoline was only six cents a gallon and how that was pretty good considering his Model T Ford got "about four girls an hour." Colonel Stanley also added that during the days of the Air Corp, there were no American forces on foreign soil. 

He concluded with a lesson that is timeless...telling everyone that "smiling is a wonderful thing" and how a smile can encourage and bring someone up that's feeling down. 

Next, Col. Douglas Hardin, 646th ABW commander 1992-1996, took the microphone to discuss the inception of the 96th ABW as it is today. 

At the beginning of 1994, Col. Hardin was informed that he needed to change the designation of then 646th ABW, so he chose the 96th because of it long and storied history. 

The 96th ABW traces its legacy back to the 96th Bomber Group. It was responsible for the day light raids over Germany during World War II. 

"Many times the 96th Bombardment Group entered deep into the heart of Germany," Colonel Hardin said. "Sometimes less than half of the aircraft would make it safely back." 

Transitioning from now to the future, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Speegle, 96th ABW Command Chief Master Sergeant in 2003, reminded the audience members that the people that make up the 96th make the wing what it is and the Air Force is not a profession, but our lives. 

"Today's warriors are cut from the same cloth that our past members were," Chief Speegle said. "The support missions that the 96th ABW accomplishes are crucial to the war fighter and are just as important because they couldn't do their job without you."