Celebrating 78 Years Of The United States Air Force Legacy

This is a story of a 78-year legacy of air power which I believe is the reason the United States is the strongest country in the universe. The United States Air Force officially became an independent branch of the military on September 18, 1947, with the signing of the National Security Act. But its story began long before that:

1907: The Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Army Signal Corps was created.
1926: The U.S. Army Air Corps was born.
World War II: The Army Air Forces proved the decisive power of aviation, supported by the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).
1947: Independence was granted, and the U.S. Air Force took its place as the world’s greatest aerial force.

This year marks 78 years of service, innovation, and sacrifice. And while the official birthday fell on Thursday, Sept. 18, the celebrations continue into the weekend across the country.

Why It’s Called Dyess, Not “Dias”

Some folks get the spelling wrong, but Abilene’s Dyess Air Force Base carries the name of Lt. Col. William Dyess, a WWII fighter pilot and native of Albany, Texas. Dyess survived the Bataan Death March, escaped captivity, and became a national hero before losing his life in a training accident in 1943. In 1956, the Abilene Air Force Base was renamed in his honor, ensuring his legacy lives on in West Texas and around the world.

Dyess Air Force Base: Past, Present, and Future

Here in Abilene, Dyess Air Force Base plays a special role in that story. Home to the B-1B Lancer, Dyess has long been part of the Air Force’s global strike capability.

Looking ahead, Dyess has been chosen to receive the B-21 Raider, the Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber. The Raider will replace the aging B-1B fleet and eventually the B-2 Spirit, keeping Abilene at the forefront of America’s air power. The aircraft is expected to enter service in the next two years.

My Life as an Air Force Brat

For me, the Air Force is more than history, it’s family. My dad’s service took us from Madrid, Spain, to France, Italy, Greece, Japan, and Great Britain. Because of him, I learned to speak four languages, and I experienced places like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and even New York City, a city so nice they named it twice.

I begged for the chance to wear the uniform myself, but being born with one arm meant that dream wasn’t in the cards. Still, I count myself blessed to be an Air Force Brat, following in the footsteps of my father, brother, father-in-law, and so many others in my family who proudly served in the Air Force.

A Heartfelt Salute

So this weekend, from the bottom of my heart, I say: Happy 78th Birthday to the United States Air Force! Thank you to all the men and women who wear the uniform and to the families who stand behind them.

And to my friends at Dyess Air Force Base right here in Abilene: happy birthday, and here’s to the future with the Raider.

Dyess Air Force Base Secures $90.8 Million For New Facilities

Dyess Air Force Base in West Texas is known as the "Bomber Wing", and recently, Washington D.C. officials revealed that over 90 million dollars have been allocated for Dyess AFB for major new bomber wing improvements.

Gallery Credit: Rudy Fernandez

10 Abandoned Military Bases in Texas

Texas is a big state and over the years many military bases have been scattered all over. However, many of those military bases have been closed and either crumbled to the ground with their skeletal remains or have been transformed into other uses.