25th Air Division 50th Anniversary
Celebration 23-24 October 1998

contributed by Ralph Hall MSgt USAF, Ret.

The 25th Auir Division Retiree Group, founded in 1990, had long considered a 45th or 50th anniversary celebration. While missing the 45th opportunity, the Group decided upon a 50th anniversary effort.

A member of the group, CMS Pat Clancy, USAF Ret., willingly took the helm to lead the project. He immediately secured the cooperation and resources of the Western Air Defense Sector (WADS) Personnel and of the former 25th Air Division members as well.

This alliance resulted in a very fruitful and event filled weekend in October 1998. Over one hundred members of the 25th, including those of Subordinate Radar and Fighter Interceptor Squadrons, both U.S. and Canadian, plus guests, were in attendance. Needless to say, many friendships were rekindled and new ones established.

Subsequently, as a lasting memorial to the 50th anniversary event, a plaque was unveiled in the garden adjacent to the "blockhouse" in a ceremony on April 3, 1999. Commemorative remarks were made by:

MG. Jack K Gamble, USAF, Ret., Commander 25th Air Division (March `72 - `74
Colonel John Cromwell USAF Commander Western Air Defense Sector (WADS)