JUNE 29, 2022 – The College World Series celebrated 75 years of the Air Force during its Heroes of the Heartland game at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, June 21.
Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin attended the celebration that featured an F-16 Flying Falcon flyover, national anthem performance and swearing-in ceremony.
“The College World Series is an amazing event for us to celebrate 75 years of the greatest Air Force,” Allvin said. “Since our inception, the Omaha metropolitan community has been a tremendous supporter of those who wear the uniform, and I can’t thank them enough for all they do for us.”
The flyover of two F-16s was performed by the 114th Fighter Wing of the South Dakota Air National Guard.
For their performance of the national anthem, the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band joined forces with six members of the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, to create a special ensemble to mark the historic occasion.
“Moments like these serve as opportunities for us to tell communities across the country that for 75 years, their U.S. Air Force has defended the nation, deterred our enemies, forged allies, and helped diplomacy worldwide,” said Capt. David Neil Regner, Heartland of America Band and Heritage of America Band commander.
“Having the opportunity to be a part of the joint collaboration of the Heritage and Heartland of America Bands is one of the most monumental highlights of my Air Force career,” said Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Johnson, Heartland of America Band. “To have the chance to serve, to bring thousands of American citizens together to show our respect for the freedom that this great country provides, was an experience like no other.”
“It is no small undertaking to bring musicians from another band to augment Offutt (AFB) Brass for a more spectacular representation at such an important event in the Omaha area,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Thrower, Heartland of America Band. “It is an absolute pleasure to work with highly-skilled professionals that made every aspect of this happen without a hitch and it is an attestation to the professionalism throughout the entire Air Force with its multifaceted missions that keep this nation secure.”
For the 10 new Air and Space Force enlistees, being sworn in prior to a CWS game by the VCSAF is something they won’t soon forget as they embark on their new careers as Airmen and Guardians.
“It’s a huge honor,” said Josh Martinez, Space Force enlistee. “To me, it means the military is valuing someone like me, who is just taking the first step of their journey.”
For more than 75 years now, Airmen around the globe have accomplished the Air Force mission and for one night in the heartland, America’s pastime took a moment to say thank you.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the College World Series for helping us celebrate this historic milestone in our history,” Allvin said. “It was truly a great evening in the heartland.”
55th Wing Public Affairs