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A/TA convention provides look at Air Force heritage, future

  • Published
  • By By Staff. Sgt. Erin Smith
  • 15th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  At oh dark thirty, Thursday the PAX terminal on base was the place to be as more than 200 team Hickam members boarded a C-17, to participate in the 40th annual Airlift Tanker Association Convention.

The convention held Nov. 6-9 in Anaheim, Calif., celebrated 60 years of airlift. The event, open to military members, retirees and dependents, was designed to provide Airmen a chance to network with fellow Airman in similar career fields, as well as participate in conferences which covered everything from where we're going to how far we've come.

"Each year, the A/TA convention provides members the opportunity to hear from senior Air Mobility leaders on a variety of topics, to include enhancements in aircraft, career field updates, ongoing initiatives and more," said Capt. Tim Ryan, the A/TA Diamondhead Chapter president.

These updates spread beyond the career field and to the entire Air Force with a briefing and question/answer sessions with Secretary of the Air Force, The Honorable Michael B. Donley and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley.

The SECAF and CMSAF discussed everything from the air mobility mission to the new Enlisted Performance Report to physical training gear.

Though not directly related to the latest in aircraft upgrades or the future of the Air Force, many felt that the most powerful conference at the convention was led by retired Col. Gail Halvorsen, the 'candy bomber.' This was the conference on the historic Berlin Airlift, 60 years ago. The seminar featured a panel of 7 people who directly supported or were affected by the Berlin Airlift. Panel members ranged from Colonel Halvorsen to an author who has studied the airlift to a gentleman who was a child receiving candy on the ground.

"It was very, very inspirational," said Staff. Sgt. Maylene Little, 15th Airlift Wing executive support. "The greatest thing was it [the Berlin Airlift/candy bomber] won the hearts of children. To win the hearts of children meant to win the hearts of the next generation. To be able to take pictures and shake the hands of people many only read about in our Professional Development Guide is such an honor ... that is history and it still continues to this day."

Once the daily conferences were finished, Airmen traded their ACU's and flightsuits for Aloha Attire and a chance to network with fellow Airmen during the evening banquets. For many, this allowed a chance to see old friends and meet new.

The convention gave Airmen an opportunity to look historical leaders and today's leaders in the eye and hear what they have to say. With opportunities like this, lessons are bound to hit home.