65th Annual Air Force Ball

2nd Air Force Ball

This weekend the Air Force Celebrated it's 65th Birthday by throwing it's annual Ball. Maybe you didn't know the Air Force was that young?, or that the fancy military balls people attend were to celebrate birthdays? I didn't know either of those things until J* joined. It's always weird to me to see such a small number {something I remember thinking at our very first ball last year.}

This year was much more fun for us than last year's - we knew what we were getting into, J* is on the Honor Guard and got to present the colors,  we had friends to go with, we had an AWESOME Speaker! {we even got to shake his hand, and he commented on my dress being LSU purple, haha!}

Friends and neighbors {from MN!}, Tabitha and Travis

Who spoke? Someone amazing. Someone with lots of experience. Someone who loves the Air Force. 

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force {Retired} - Robert D. Gaylor

For those of you who don't know what that means {like me, for instance...}, this is the highest enlisted position in the Air Force. This man made his way from the rank of E1 {Airman} to E9 {Chief Master Sergeant - as high as you can go being enlisted, there is another rank system for officers} and his position "of the Air Force" means he was in charge of every enlisted person in the Air Force.

Our friends Jeff (Army) and Jessica (Air Force)

He joined the Air force 64 years ago {remember, the Air Force is only 65 years young} and served for 31 years. 

This man has seen the Air Force from the beginning until now {although he has been retired for about the same amount of time that he served}. It was cool to hear someone speak who was there at the beginning of it all. 

His speech covered his career, how he worked his way up to the top, and was motivating for those currently serving in the lower ranks {basically all those currently serving at DLI}. He was interesting to listen to, and was very funny too! 

{my favorite story: 

"Kids, dad's got a surprise! We're moving to ______!"

child: "Do I have to go?!" 

"Is your last name Gaylor??"

child: "yes..."

"Get in the car!"}

 - Hilarious

J* waiting to present the colors

Honestly, his speech was the best I have heard in a long time. It's probably one that I will not forget hearing, which is really saying something!