WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh. -- The 67th anniversary of the Air Force and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base POW/ MIA Recognition Day are fast approaching. Base personnel are encouraged to celebrate the Air Force anniversary on Sept. 26 by participating in the event from 10 a.m. to noon at the Air Force Institute of Technology's Kenney Hall, Bldg. 642 in Area B.

The event is hosted by Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Business and Enterprise Systems Directorate. The guest speaker is Dr. Tom Crouch, senior curator, National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. Recognizing that 2014 marks the centennial of the start of World War I, Crouch will present a briefing on the evolution of U.S. airpower from WWI to the present.

Also attending will be veteran representatives from each major conflict of the past century (including the daughter of Lt. Stephen Thompson, aWorld War I aviator from Dayton). Following the briefing, there will be a POW/MIA Honor Table ceremony and an Air Force anniversary cake-cutting event. This event provides an opportunity for attendees to gain a glimpse into how the Air Force evolved, to celebrate our anniversary, to recognize our veterans who served and those who continue to serve today. Starting at 4:30 p.m., the Wright-Patterson AFB Chief 's Group is sponsoring a POW/MIA wreath- laying ceremony at the Arnold House (Bldg. 8) in Area A. This annual event honors the more than 83,000 Americans missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Vietnam War and the 1991 Gulf War. This is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of American prisoners of war, those who are missing and their families.

As noted on the POW/ MIA flag, the event highlights the government's commitment that "You are Not Forgotten." The guest speaker is Col. John Devillier, 88th Air Base Wing commander.

Following the Arnold House ceremony, the base will conduct a formal retreat led by the 88th Communications Group at the base flagpole in front of the 88 ABW headquarters, Area A, Bldg. 10.

All events are open to base personnel including military, civilian, retirees, their families and friends. Participation is highly encouraged.

Point of contact for the Air Force anniversary event at AFIT is Robert Kasprzak, 937-904-0698. POC for the Wright-Patterson AFB POW/MIA Recognition Day events is Senior Master Sgt. Matt Brown, 937-257-4073.