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Keesler hosts annual Christmas in the Park

Colten Parkison, son of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Parkison, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 builder, Gulfport, Miss., visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus during Keesler’s annual Christmas in the Park celebration at Marina Park Dec. 1, 2016, on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The event, hosted by Outdoor Recreation, included a tree lighting ceremony, tour train rides, and cookie and ornament decorating. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Keesler Leadership serving Thankgiving meals

Airman Austin Salyers, 336th Training Squadron, receives his holiday meal from Col. Jeannine Ryder, 81st Medical Group commander, at the Azalea Dining Facility, Nov. 24, 2016, on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It is tradition at Keesler for commanders, first sergeants and superintendents to serve a Thanksgiving meal at the dining facility to technical training and permanent party Airmen who are not able to go home for the holiday weekend. (U.S. Air Force photo by Andre’ Askew)

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Dragon Week gets colorful with wing 5k

Keesler personnel participate in an 81st Training Wing color run at the Marina Park Nov. 17, 2016, on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The run was one of several events held throughout Dragon Week, which focuses on resiliency and teambuilding initiatives across the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue/Released)

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Gulf Coast honors veterans

Air Force Sergeants Association members ride a float at the 16th Annual Gulf Coast Veterans Day Parade Nov. 12, 2016, in D’Iberville, Miss. More than 5,000 Mississippi and Louisiana citizens watched the parade honoring Gulf Coast veterans. Keesler Honor Guard members, base leadership and more than 215 81st Training Group Airmen with the 50 State Flag Team and Drum and Bugle Corps also came out to celebrate the holiday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Holly Mansfield)

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Marines celebrate 241 years

Sgt. Jared Kerness, Keesler Marine Detachment instructor, performs a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action ceremony during the 241st Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Golden Nugget Casino Nov. 11, 2016, in Biloxi, Miss. More than 300 service members and guests attended the Keesler MARDET-hosted event which featured and a speaker. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue/Released)

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Keesler celebrates 75 years of history with gala

Col. Michele Edmondson, 81st Training Wing commander, participates in a cake cutting ceremony with family members of Lt. Samuel Keesler, Jr., during the installation’s 75th Anniversary Gala at the Bay Breeze Event Center Nov. 4, 2016, on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The celebration commemorated Keesler’s 75 years of history with historical displays, throwback trivia and musical and dance performances. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue/Released)

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81st TRW celebrates Gulf Coast retirees

U.S. Navy retired Chief Kenneth Schneider renders a salute during the singing of the national anthem during Retiree Appreciation Day at the Roberts Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Facility Nov. 4, 2016, on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The annual event, sponsored by the Keesler Retiree Activities Office, included more than 20 displays with information pertinent to retirees and a free lunch. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue/Released)

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81st TRG hosts drill down

Airman Basic Clayton Quintana, 336th Training Squadron freestyle drill team member, spins a rifle during the 81st Training Group drill down at the Levitow Training Support Facility drill pad Nov. 4, 2016, on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The quarterly drill down featured an open ranks inspection, regulation drill routine and freestyle drill routine categories. The 81st TRG’s four non-prior service training squadrons competed in the competition, with the 334th TRS “Gators” taking home the overall first place. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue/Released)

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SecAF honors Gulf Coast service members at Salute to the Military

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James delivers comments during the 38th Annual Salute to the Military at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center, Oct. 25, 2016, Biloxi, Miss. The Salute to the Military event recognized the men and women who serve in the military along the Gulf Coast. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue/Released)

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Cruisin' Keesler

Larry Massingill and David Childress, Mississippi residents, walk through a display of antique vehicles at marina park during the Cruisin’ Keesler 13th Annual Car Show Oct. 1, 2016, on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. There were over 130 classic car, truck, bike and hot rod entries with more than 40 awards presented. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue/Released)

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Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders

Tech. Sgt. Korey Papa, 334th Training Squadron instructor, shows an airfield model to Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders during a tour at Cody Hall Sept. 30, 2016, on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The NFL cheerleaders visited Keesler to learn about the mission, hold a cheer clinic at the youth center and participate in a fashion show at the base exchange. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue/Released)

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Fire Department brings the heat in firefighter combat challenge

Tech. Sgt. Lawrence Ricks, 81st Infrastructure Division firefighter, runs through the serpentine course at the Keesler Fire Department as he trains for the 2016 Firefighter Combat Challenge Competition Wild Card Week, May 4, 2016, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Four members from the fire department competed in the qualifying round at Lake Charles, La., Apr. 30. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Keesler honors namesake with retreat ceremony

Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Adams, Jr., and Lt. Col. Henry Burkle, both retired and stationed at Keesler during WORLD WAR II, watch as members of the 81st Security Forces Squadron fold the U.S. flag during the Lt. Samuel Reeves Keesler, Jr. Memorial Retreat Ceremony May 13, 2016, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The event was held in honor of Lt. Keesler’s date of entry into the Army Air Service 99 years ago. The retreat ceremony is part of a year-long celebration of Lt. Keesler, a Mississippi native and WORLD WAR I hero, and the 75th anniversary of the opening of the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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2016 Special Olympics

Paula Carpenter, District 5 Special Olympics Mississippi athlete, hugs Senior Airman Hashim Mefleh, 336th Training Squadron student, after finishing the 50 meter backstroke at the Biloxi Natatorium May 21, 2016, Biloxi, Miss. Mefleh, one of Carpenter’s Airman sponsors, cheered her on in her three aquatics events and got to know her for the three days of Special Olympics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Travis Beihl)

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75th Anniversary Unveiling

The 75th anniversary logo sits on a table at Keesler’s 75th Anniversary Historical Display Unveiling at the Biloxi Visitors Center June 3, 2016, Biloxi, Miss. A display featuring 14 historical panels created by Keesler personnel was unveiled along with the newest 75th anniversary logo. Additionally, Biloxi Mayor Andrew ‘FoFo’ Gilich read the “Biloxi/Keesler Partnership Day” proclamation at the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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July 4th

Keesler families watch a fireworks display during the Celebration of Our Nation event at Marina Park July 2, 2016, on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The event also included a golf scramble, mullet toss and music performances. (U.S. Air Force photo by Marie Floyd)

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12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Tech. Sgt. Cassandra Cruz, 81st Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School instructor, grades a flight during drill practice at the ALS building, July 21, 2016, on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Cruz was selected as one of this year’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Moore)

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2nd Air Force Change of Command

Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, commander, Air Education and Training Command, passes the 2nd Air Force flag to Maj. Gen. Bob LaBrutta, incoming 2nd AF commander, during the 2nd AF change of command ceremony at the Levitow Training Support Facility Aug. 26, 2016, on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. LaBrutta was previously the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, commander and assumed command from Maj. Gen. Mark Brown, who is heading to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, where he will become the AETC vice commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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9/11 memorial ceremony

Keesler personnel lower the U.S. flag during a 9/11 memorial ceremony, Sept. 12, 2016, on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Fifteen years ago on Sept. 11, 2001, 19 terrorists simultaneously hijacked four passenger jets; flying one into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., two into the World Trade Center in New York City, New York and one crashing outside of Shanksville, Pa. A total of 2,996 people were killed in the attacks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Deepwater Horizon Visit

Kate Hudson, Deepwater Horizon actress, meets with 336th Training Squadron Airmen at the Levitow Training Support Facility drill pad before the Deepwater Horizon movie screening Sept. 20, 2016, on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Before the screening, actor Kurt Russell, Hudson and movie director, Peter Berg, took a short tour of the 81st Training Wing and 403rd Wing to meet with Airmen and learn about their missions at Keesler. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Kemberly Groue

Retired Col. Sid Wright and Airman 1st Class William Henderson, 81st Training Support Squadron network administrator, participate in a cake cutting ceremony during the Keesler Air Force Ball at the Imperial Palace Casino Sept. 24, 2016, Biloxi, Miss. Wright was the oldest Airman at the ball while Henderson was the youngest; it is tradition for the oldest and youngest Airmen in attendance to cut the cake. The event was sponsored by the Air Force Association John C. Stennis Chapter #332 to celebrate the Air Force’s 69th birthday and the base’s 75th anniversary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Biloxi Career Exploration

Tech. Sgt. Malena Rathbone, 334th Training Squadron air traffic control instructor, briefs school-aged children on the air traffic control simulator at Cody Hall during Biloxi Career Exploration Day Feb. 11, 2016, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The children also toured the 335th TRS weather facility, 81st Security Forces Squadron canine facility, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron and the Keesler Fire Department. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Kemberly Groue

Tech. Sgt. Kyle Mullen, 81st Training Support Squadron military training leader course instructor, presents a blue rope to Staff Sgt. Jessica Ventura, 81st TRSS MTL course student, during a graduation ceremony at Lott Hall Feb. 11, 2016, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The first selected group of NCOs graduated the military training leader course after attending the nine-day class at Keesler. The program, formerly based out of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, is designed to mentor, train and lead Airmen in technical training as MTLs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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1st Lt. Torres Boxing

First Lt. Christian Torres, 81st Comptroller Squadron deputy project officer, throws a right jab at the Triangle Gym, March 3, 2016, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Torres boxed recreationally and had the opportunity to become a professional boxer, however, due to family needs he chose his current path in the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Travis Beihl)

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Physical Therapy

Senior Airman Wesley McCool, 81st Surgical Operations Squadron physical medical technician, works on Chaplain (Col.) David Terrinoni, 81st Training Wing chaplain, in the physical therapy department April 7, 2016, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. McCool is working on Terrinoni’s toe mobilization by pulling his toe away, then curling and extending the toe to improve its range of motion. (Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Travis Beihl)

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Pathways to Blue shows ROTC cadets the way

Gabriela Valle-Ramos, University of Alabama Air Force ROTC Cadet, receives M-4 weapon operating instructions from Senior Airman Caleb Gilliard, 81st Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, at the 81st SFS CATM range during Pathways to Blue April 15, 2016, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Pathways to Blue, a diversity outreach event hosted by 2nd Air Force, the 81st Training Wing and the 403rd Wing, included more than 180 cadets from Air Force ROTC detachments from various colleges and universities. Cadets received hands-on briefings on technical and flying operations and an orientation flight in support of the Air Force's Diversity Strategic Roadmap program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Exercise prepares base for real world situations

81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engineering technicians and 81st Infrastructure Division firefighters approach the decontamination site during a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive exercise scenario, April 21, 2016, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The Force Protection Condition exercise scenario simulated an intruder entering the hazardous waste 90-day accumulation site, where an explosion occurred causing a mass casualty event. The exercise tested the base’s capability to react to and recover from a mass casualty event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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“Boots versus Badges” softball game kicks off Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games

Senior Master Sgt. Zackery Turbyfill, 81st Training Group military training leader superintendent, gives a high-five to Zachery Cerone, Special Olympics athlete, as they warm-up during the “Boots versus Badges” softball game at the Biloxi Shuckers MGM Park April 21, 2016, Biloxi, Miss. The game was the kickoff event for the 2016 Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, which will be hosted by Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., May 20-21. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Wingman Week kicks off with flightline run

Keesler Airmen catch their breath after running a 5K run around the flightline April 25, 2016, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The run was the kickoff event for a week full of activities supporting Wingman Week. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Wingman Week ends with burger burn

Capt. Gregory Blank, 333rd Training Squadron instructor, competes in a dragon egg hold competition during a burger burn April 29, 2016, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The burger burn was the final event of Wingman Week in support of Comprehensive Airman Fitness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Team Keesler rounds out 2016

Published Jan. 4, 2017
By Senior Airman Holly Mansfield
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler Airmen had an amazing and busy 2016. Check out some of our best photos from throughout the year!