Steele Chapter Celebrates Air Force and Space Force Birthdays

AFA’s D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter brought more than 100 Airmen, Guardians, cadets, and community partners together for a first-of-its-kind, joint celebration of the Air Force and Space Force birthdays. Held at Nighthawk Pizza, one of the Chapter’s dedicated Community Partners, the evening honored the proud history and vibrant heritage of both services.

The celebration highlighted two cornerstone dates: September 18, 1947, the founding of the independent U.S. Air Force, and December 20, 2019, the birthday of the U.S. Space Force.

The Space Force Junior ROTC Color Guard from the Arlington Career Center opened the program by presenting the National Colors, followed by a stirring rendition of the National Anthem performed by Master Sgt. Paige Wrobel, USAF (Ret.), former featured vocalist for the USAF Band’s Airmen of Note.  Col. Cardell Richardson, USAF (Ret.), the 17th Inspector General of the Department of State, gave the invocation.

AFA President & CEO Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.), served as the keynote speaker, reflecting on heritage through powerful stories of courage, sacrifice, and teamwork. He recounted the audacity of the Doolittle Raiders, who launched B-25 bombers from an aircraft carrier in April 1942 with little more than determination and a shared belief that “we’ll figure it out.” He also honored the Mighty 8th Air Force, whose Airmen pressed forward despite staggering losses in Europe during World War II.

Field shared a personal connection to service as well. His father, a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War, survived a plane crash, received medical care, and returned to the fight the very next day. He closed with a moving account from Iraq, where teamwork by an Air Force medical team saved the life of an injured pregnant woman and her unborn child.

“This is our heritage,” Field said. “Airmen and Guardians will always build on it. That is our strength.”

The program highlighted the tradition of a birthday cake-cutting ceremony, performed with a saber by the oldest and youngest active-duty Airmen present. Col. Ryan Crowley of the National War College represented history and experience, while 2nd Lt. Kayla Thompson of the 317th Recruiting Squadron represented the future. This moment showcased how traditions, knowledge, and service culture are passed from one generation to the next. That spirit was evident throughout the evening as CAP cadets, Junior ROTC and Senior ROTC cadets, and current and former active-duty members shared stories, mentorship, and perspectives, authentic exchange that strengthened the bond between generations of Airmen and Guardians.

The Chapter also advanced AFA’s mission of education and support by presenting $2,000 to Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Groff of the Burke CAP Squadron. The donation will go toward new computers for the squadron’s CyberPatriot and StellarXplorers teams. Attendees also contributed more than 100 pounds of food and generous cash donations to combat food insecurity among military families.

Before both service’s official songs were sung to end the evening, Steele Chapter President Darian “DJ” Padilla closed the evening by thanking attendees and affirming that this will become an annual tradition.