Air Force Reserve celebrates 6o years Published April 10, 2008 By Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond 512th Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The Air Force recognized its 60th birthday last year; this year the Air Force Reserve also has reason to celebrate, as it marks 60 years as a separate service. On April 14, 1948, President Harry Truman, inspired by Reserve programs activated during World War I, officially forged the Air Force Reserve as a field operating agency of the Air Force. The Air Force Reserve Command became the ninth major command of the Air Force on Feb. 17, 1997. Other changes have occurred over the years in this ever-evolving force. "Since [operations Desert Storm/Shield and Iraqi Freedom] I have seen more acceptance and respect for the Reserve by our active-duty counterparts," said Senior Master Sgt. Sheila Berg, 709th Airlift Squadron command section NCO in charge, who enlisted in 1980. "There used to be such a lack of communication between the Reserve and the active duty. Now, I believe the active duty realizes we're not just 'weekend warriors,' and communication has really improved." The 512th Airlift Wing, in particular, has its fingerprints on AFRC history: - During World War II the 512th Airlift Wing was named the first combat cargo squadron. - On Oct. 28, 1962 President John F. Kennedy activated the Liberty Wing for participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis. - On July 19, 1981, Chief Master Sgt. Donna Lehmann, a Liberty Wing member, became one of the first C-5 female loadmasters for the Air Force. Team Dover will celebrate the Air Force Reserve's 60 years as a separate service at the Air Force Ball Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Sheraton.