Air Force Reserve: 68 years strong

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James spoke to the importance of total force integration during the Air Force Reserve’s 68th birthday celebration April 14 at the Pentagon.

James said she has witnessed the Reserve’s contributions and accomplishments in her 35 years’ experience in the federal government and the private sector.

“Throughout nearly seven decades, the Air Force Reserve has been there with us every step of the way, every time we’ve had a challenge around the world,” James said.

More than 147,000 reservists fought in the Korean War; 19,000 served during the Cuban missile crisis; and 38,000 deployed in support of the Persian Gulf War.

“Today, over a quarter of all forward-deployed Airmen comes from our Air Force Reserve,” James said. “That is unbelievable to me, and is something most of America doesn’t realize, so we have to continue to tell that story.”

The Air Force Reserve was originally formed as a “standby” force by President Harry Truman in 1948, and now has five air reserve bases and 33 flying wings. It officially became the ninth major command -- Air Force Reserve Command -- in 1997.

Recent total force initiatives include cross-component leadership positions and streamlining personnel systems.

“Citizen Airmen, with active-duty and (Air National Guard) members, provide global vigilance, reach and power every single day for our Air Force and we’re a proud member of the three component team,” said Air Force Reserve Chief Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson. “We have over 69,000 Reserve members standing in our nation’s defense and I couldn’t be more proud of those members.

“(I want to thank) every single Airman with a big ‘A’ we have -- active, Guard, Reserve and civilians -- in standing up every day and doing what you do, and making sure your families are taken care of as you conduct our nation’s defense,” Jackson said.