LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Members of the local community and Laughlin Air Force Base personnel celebrated the end of summer and the Air Force’s 78th birthday during this year’s Summer Bash, Sept. 12. Laughlin opened up their gates to approximately 2,000 people from the Del Rio community for the free concert hosted by Air Force Entertainment Live Stage.
The event featured 28 different vendors, food trucks, a kids zone, and a cake-cutting ceremony in honor of the Air Force’s birthday. Live performances from Andy Grammer, Bryce Vine and 3OH!3.
"Thank you to all of our volunteers and planning committee that made this Summer Bash possible,” said Col Tyler Ellison, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. “I also want to thank our local law enforcement from the City of Del Rio and Val Verde County for everything you do to help us have a safe time tonight.”
In place of a traditional Air Force Ball, Laughlin celebrated the service’s 78th birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony on stage. Lt. Col. Luis Bermudez from the 47th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron and Airmen Nazryth Cruz from the 47th Operations Support Squadron held the symbolic saber together and cut the cake.
The long-standing tradition pairs the oldest and youngest Airmen to cut the first slice of cake, symbolizing the passing of Air Force warrior ethos heritage from one generation to the next.
The ceremony ended with the “voice of Laughlin,” Mr. Ron Bailey, 47th Force Support Squadron, singing the Air Force Song along with the crowd.