CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Air Commandos and their guests remembered the Air Force’s beginnings and celebrated its future at Cannon Air Force Base’s Air Force Ball Sept. 20 at the Landing Zone
The annual ball takes place to honor the anniversary of the National Security Act of 1947, which made the Air Force an independent branch of the military upon passage on Sept. 18, 1947. Installations around the world take part in celebrating the foundations of the Air Force through variations of formal gatherings.
With decorations, entertainment and costumes highlighting a 1940s theme, this year’s event boasted more than 100 volunteers who collaborated to plan and execute Cannon’s ball, and attracted more than 500 guests.
The co-leads of the Air Force Ball committee, Capt. Lindsay Krahn, 43rd Special Operations Intelligence Squadron, and 1st Lt. Matt Dermody, 27th Special Operations Communication Squadron, collaborated with Col. Tony Bauernfeind, 27th Special Operations Wing commander, to create a unique vision for the celebration.
“Our committee thought it would be neat to honor the Air Force's 67 years by going back to the beginning, hence the 1940s theme,” said Krahn. “We played 40s music throughout the entire Landing Zone, and our Emcees and National Anthem singers were all decked out in 40s attire, hair and make-up.”
The theme was also taken up by the ball’s decorating committee, comprised of officers, enlisted Airmen and members of the Cannon Spouses’ Club, who ensured each room of the Landing Zone - and its exterior - helped guests feel immersed in the era.
“We received tons of great feedback about the old-time feel to the venue,” said Krahn. “Guests arrived to find four vintage cars staged out front and parachutes decorating the entryway.”
The 40s theme celebrated more than jazz standards and victory rolls, Krahn explained.
“Arriving to the vision of the 1940s helped a lot of attendees get into the mindset of remembering our past, which tied into our slogan, ‘The Legacy of Our Past, A Tribute to Our Future’," Krahn said. “It was important to emphasize that this year's Air Force Ball to pay homage to the history of the Air Force, Air Force Special Operations Command heritage and 27 SOW specific achievements.”
The event paid equal attention to a fun-filled night and traditions that honor Air Force heritage, including a Prisoner-of-War/Missing-in-Action tribute from the base honor guard, toasts to Air Force leaders and warriors, and a ceremonial cake-cutting.
As the music grew quieter, songs tapered off, and the moon-lit horizon grew brighter, Airmen departed with a reinvigoration to 27 SOW’s commitment to supporting our mission.