Photo by Donna Burnett
Liberty Never Tasted So Good Proudly Offering Military Discounts.
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73 YEARS OF AIMING HIGH
The birth of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air National Guard by Stephanie Thompson
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eptember is quite an eventful month, and the 18th is particularly momentous. Our nation celebrates two significant birthdays on that date: that of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Air National Guard. The Air Force and Air National Guard are represented on The Liberty Coast by the 125th Fighter Wing, which has both federal and state missions, respectively. (Take a look back at August 26’s Liberty Coast column to learn more.) U.S. AIR FORCE This military branch was founded 73 years ago, on September 18, 1947, as part of the National Security Act of 1947. This landmark legislation both created the Department of Defense (though it wasn’t called that until 1949) and established the Air Force as a separate branch of military service. There were seven iterations of the Air Force before it became an official branch, starting with the Union Army Balloon Corps in 1861. U.S. AIR NATIONAL GUARD The Air National Guard (ANG) was established as a separate reserve component of the U.S. Air Force on the same day. The 1st Aero Company, New York National Guard, is recognized as the oldest ANG unit— established in November 1915—and is now known as the New York 102nd Rescue Squadron. The distinction for the oldest continuously serving unit is the 109th Airlift Squadron of Minnesota; it was established as the 109th Observation Squadron in 1921. Both the Air Force and Air National Guard began as units of the U.S. Army. While there was controversy over creating a separate air branch of the military, the Air Force has demonstrated the soundness of this decision over and over again through decades of conflicts. We look forward to celebrating many more birthdays to come of both our Air Force and Air National Guard!
thenian Owl Restaurant, where traditional Greek food is prepared daily using only the freshest ingredients and authentic imported products. We incorporate traditional family recipes with a modern spin, showcasing our passion for cooking. Join us today for lunch or dinner and learn why it is a local favorite for some of the best Greek food in Jacksonville.
9551 Baymeadows Rd. suite #21-23 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Phone: (904) 503-3008 www.AthenianOwlJaxFl.com
WHISTLING DEATH 5km&10km SATURDAY, OCT 3, 2020 5km and 10km - 8am start
WHERE: Historic Lee Field in Green Cove Springs, Florida, WWII training base for the F4U Corsair and F6F Hellcat fighters. TIME LIMIT: 5km = 2 hrs, 10km = 3 hrs COURSE: An out and back course on mostly paved roads traversing the roads of Reynolds Industrial Park/Lee Field. AWARDS: Technical T-shirt and a very cool medal to all finishers. RACE TIMING: Chip timed
5km & 10km
REGISTER ONLINE: www.1stplacesports.com or contact Chris Rodatz, Race Director 904-655-6511 • crodatz@bellsouth.net
ENTRY FEE $25
LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 6
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