96th reunion scheduled for September Published July 13, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Bryan Franks Team Eglin Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Members of the 96th Air Base Wing are planning the first-ever 96 ABW reunion, "Gathering of Falcons," Sept. 17-20 here. Former commanders, vice commanders, directors of staff, command chief, and honorary commanders will be invited to gather and reflect on past and present 96 ABW accomplishments, as well as relive history. "The reunion will not only give us an opportunity to meet and honor those 96th ABW members who came before us but also show former Falcons what we have accomplished as well as learn more about the exciting future of the wing," said Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th ABW commander. There are many activities being planned for the reunion. Besides various briefings and tour of the base, reunion attendees will also be afforded the opportunity to participate in the Air Force Birthday Golf Classic at the Eglin Golf Course and the 96th Dining Out at the officers club. More importantly, current 96th ABW members will be able to meet and talk to former Falcons who made the wing what it is today. The 96th ABW can trace its illustrious history back to when the 96th Bombardment Group was activated July 15, 1942 and displays the same emblem of the falcon holding a bomb in its mouth. Throughout its history, the 96th ABW has participated in contingencies around the world and today, supports the largest single-base mobility commitment in the Air Force. The wing stood up as a non-flying organization on March 15, 1994 assuming the mission of supporting the Air Armament Center and more than 45 associate units across Eglin AFB, to include four other wings and sister-service organizations. "The 96th ABW's heritage lives on through the people of Eglin, thus preserving the lineage and honors of a great organization," Colonel McClintock said. Additional information, to include the agenda for the reunion and registration form, can be found on the Eglin web site, www.eglin.af.mil.