COMMENTARY: You’re the history-makers now Published March 3, 2011 By Command Chief Master Sgt. Cindy George 419th Fighter Wing HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- In September 1947, the U.S. Air Force was established. That same year, test pilot Chuck Yeager flew the Bell XS-1 passed the speed of sound, propelling the AF into the supersonic age. By the 1950s Strategic Air Command was established within the AF, and stood up with a fleet of B-52 Stratofortress bombers. In the 1960s the AF introduce the Titan and Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles into America's defense arsenal. It also conducted the first bombing campaign against North Vietnam. We saw Air Reserve Components get numerous upgrades in the 1970s, including our wing - then called the 508th Tactical Fighter Group - being equipped with F-105 Thunderchief aircraft. Red Flag, Gunsmoke and other exercises were introduced as part of ongoing training for wartime operations. The 1980s ushered in a new era for our AF and its reserve forces. At Hill Air Force Base, the 508th TFG received the F-16, and was re-designated the 419th Tactical Fighter Wing. Our pilots took home first prize in the Gunsmoke '85 gunnery competition, followed up with Top Gun honors at Gunsmoke '87. The 1990s brought new meaning to the AF phrase "Total Force" when reservists augmented the active duty on a number of military taskings. 419th pilots flew more than 500 sorties out of Incirlik Air Base, Turkey in support of Operations Provide Comfort II and Northern Watch. A whole new chapter of our military's way of life began when our country was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001. 419th personnel became heavily involved in the Global War on Terrorism, deploying in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In 2007, the Total Force Initiative effectively associated the 419th FW and the 388th FW, so that together our forces stood ready to fly, fight and win. So why the history lesson? Since 1947, every new Airman has had to deal with significant changes in the way the AF conducts business. With each change, AF personnel - active duty, guardsmen and reservists - have answered the call, accepted these changes, and worked hard to meet the mission assigned to them. Changes are inevitable. And while no one knows exactly how these changes will affect the way we do our business, all Airmen should conduct themselves with the same professionalism that defined our past AF members. Remember, you are now writing the next chapter in our AF history, and you define how your generation will be remembered. Now is your time.