8th Air Force Historical Society commemorates 50 years of preserving 8th Air Force history

Clarence Kooi, left, a World War II veteran who was assigned to the 486th Bombardment (heavy) Group, speaks with Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, 8th Air Force and Joint – Global Strike Operations Center commander, during the 8th Air Force Historical Society Gala at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Sept. 28, 2024. Established in 1975, the 8th AFHS preserves the legacy left by the 350,000 service members who served in the 8th AF at over 55 air bases in England during WWII. Kooi served as a ball gunner in the B-17 Flying Fortress. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Rachel Waller)

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8th Air Force Historical Society commemorates 50 years of preserving 8th Air Force history

Maurice “Chick” Berger, left, a World War II veteran who was assigned to the 398th Bomb Group, jokes with Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, 8th Air Force and Joint – Global Strike Operations Center commander, during the 8th Air Force Historical Society Gala at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Sept. 28, 2024. Berger flew 45 missions in the B-17 Flying Fortress as a ball turret gunner in WWII. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Rachel Waller)

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8th Air Force Historical Society commemorates 50 years of preserving 8th Air Force history

An 8th Air Force Historical Society Gala attendee takes a picture of Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, 8th Air Force and Joint – Global Strike Operations Center commander, during the 8th Air Force Historical Society Gala at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Sept. 28, 2024. Armagost gave an update on the current 8th AF, highlighting Bomber Task Force missions and aircraft modernization as well as met with the veterans and their families one-on-one. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Rachel Waller)

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8th Air Force Historical Society commemorates 50 years of preserving 8th Air Force history

From left, Henry Kolinek, a World War II veteran, Paul Tibbets IV, 8th AF Historical Society president, and Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, left, 8th Air Force and Joint – Global Strike Operations Center commander, pose for a photo during the 8th AFHS Gala at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Sept. 28, 2024. Armagost presented Kolinek with an 8th AF lapel pin to thank him for his military service. The 99-year-old veteran flew 37 missions with the 384th Bomb Group. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Rachel Waller)

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8th Air Force Historical Society commemorates 50 years of preserving 8th Air Force history

Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, left, 8th Air Force and Joint – Global Strike Operations Center commander, shakes hands with Alfred “Al” Benjamin, right, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, while Paul Tibbets IV, 8th AF Historical Society president, looks on during the 8th AFHS Gala at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Sept. 28, 2024. The gala honored the 50th anniversary of the 8th AFHS which was established in 1975 to preserve the legacy of Mighty Eighth service members during WWII. Benjamin was a B-17 Flying Fortress navigator assigned to the 384th Bomb Group who flew 31 combat missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Rachel Waller)

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8th Air Force Historical Society commemorates 50 years of preserving 8th Air Force history

Veterans along with their families and friends socialize during the 8th Air Force Historical Society Gala at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Sept. 28, 2024. Established in 1975, this year marked the 50th anniversary of the 8th AFHS which was created to preserve the legacy left by service members who were assigned to the 8th Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Rachel Waller)

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8th Air Force Historical Society commemorates 50 years of preserving 8th Air Force history

Published Oct. 1, 2024
By Master Sgt. Rachel Waller

NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Clarence Kooi, left, a World War II veteran who was assigned to the 486th Bombardment (heavy) Group, speaks with Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, 8th Air Force and Joint – Global Strike Operations Center commander, during the 8th Air Force Historical Society Gala at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Sept. 28, 2024. Established in 1975, the 8th AFHS preserves the legacy left by the 350,000 service members who served in the 8th AF at over 55 air bases in England during WWII. Kooi served as a ball gunner in the B-17 Flying Fortress. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Rachel Waller)