Dobbins commemorates Air Force 60th Anniversary with postmarking and heritage ceremony

DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga., -- History was the centerpiece of a joint celebration between the postal service and the U.S. Air Force at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., where a new pictorial postal cancellation was used to commemorate the Air Force's 60th Birthday on Sept. 18.

The illustration in the United States Post Office's pictorial cancellation is a WWII era B-24 aircraft. During the ceremony, Mr. Bob Hopkins, U.S. Postal Service of Marietta, unveiled a picture of the new 41 cent stamp honoring Brig. Gen. James Stewart, B-17 and B-24 bomber pilot.

World War II veterans also joined Dobbins in honoring the Airmen and members of the local community who have made the Air Force what it is today. Mr. Hap Chandler, B-24 Navigator and World War II veteran, stressed the importance of community support when it comes to our Airmen.

"It takes a number of people to get one Airman over the target," said Mr. Chandler. "Base, community and family support such as this makes it all worthwhile."

"Most people have to revert to books, television or the internet to learn history," said Maj. Todd M. Copley, project coordinator. "There's nothing like giving people an opportunity to see living history before their eyes"

The ceremony didn't only lend itself to pictorial stamp cancellations, but it also gave people a big glimpse into Air Force history as the cancellation was linked closely to the release of the James "Jimmy" Stewart stamp. Genereal Stewart was a famous Hollywood actor before joining the Army Air Corps in 1941. During his tenure, he was the commander of the 703rd Bomb Squadron, sister unit to the 700th Bomb Squadron at Dobbins during World War II.

Master Sgt. Michael Varnado, 700th Airlift Squadron life support specialist, dressed as a World War II pilot, along with Mr. Hiram Little and Mr. Earl Martin, two original Tuskegee Airmen, represented Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airmen.

"We continue to move forward by remember the sacrifices made by those who served before us," said Sergeant Varnado. "Being aware of the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen creates a since of pride in today's Airmen."

What initially was planned as a postmarking ceremony evolved into a heritage celebration that many within the audience will remember from years to come.

"I allotted 25 minutes before the end of the ceremony for any veteran to come forward and talk about their Army Air Corps and Air Force experiences," said Major Copley. "I was just blown away by the stories. Amazing!"

While the 60th Anniversary Pictorial Cancellation is just a small contribution to our history, the ceremony paid big dividends in bringing together our Air Force members, community and veterans.