Keesler ready to celebrate Air Force’s 60th anniversary Published Sept. 12, 2007 By Airmen David Salanitri 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Happy big six zero, Air Force! Sept. 18 marks 60 years since the Air Force became an independent, separate service from the Army. "This is a time to remember our Airmen, past, present and future, who stand as a symbol of freedom and hope around the world," said Brig. Gen. Paul Capasso, 81st Training Wing commander. "We pay tribute to the giants of our past, pioneers who shaped air power, and to Airmen of our future yet to be, whose boundless spirit will ensure our air, space and cyberspace victories of tomorrow." Although Keesler's celebration of the Air Force's 60th anniversary begins Sept. 15, the highlight is a picnic and concert Sept. 19 in marina park. The picnic is 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The concert featuring Quiet Riot is 7 p.m. on the Triangle parade grounds. Sept. 19 events are also a tribute to Keesler Airmen who've recently returned from deployments in support of the global war on terror. Other 60th anniversary events: Sept. 15 Triangle parade grounds -- a professional wrestling match is 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12, and free for children ages 3 and younger. Tickets are available at Gaudé Lanes, Vandenberg Community Center and at the event site. Sept. 18 Vandenberg Community Center -- 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., all ranks have free use of amusement machines. Welch Auditorium -- 1 p.m., Air Force anniversary cake cutting and video. McBride Library -- Air Force history display; 2-4 p.m., free refreshments. Outdoor recreation -- free rod and reel rentals, and a 10 percent discount on boat rentals. Gaudé Lanes -- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., free bowling. Sept. 19 Blake Fitness Center -- 8 a.m., 3-on-3 basketball tournament; sign up by Sept. 17 at any fitness center. Field 4 -- 9 a.m., home run contest; sign up by Sept. 17 at any fitness center. Marina -- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., free fishing tournament. 11 a.m to 2 p.m. barbeque and welcome home to deployed members. Noon-2 p.m., free pontoon boat rides. Bay Breeze Golf Course -- noon, longest drive contest. Gaudé Lanes -- 12:30 p.m., bowling tournament. Fee of $20 per four-person team includes shoes. Sign up until day of the event. Sept. 21 Triangle Pool -- 8 a.m., mini-triathlon; sign-in 6:30-8 a.m. Run, cycle and swim event. Register by Sept. 17 at Blake Fitness Center.