The College World Series celebrates 75 years of the Air Force during its Heroes of the Heartland game

 On June 21, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, the College World Series played a Heroes of the Heartland game in honor of the Air Force’s 75th anniversary.

The celebration, which included an F-16 Flying Falcon flyover, a performance of the national anthem, and an oath-taking ceremony, was attended by Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin.

“The College World Series is an amazing event for us to celebrate 75 years of the greatest Air Force,” Allvin said. “Since our inception, the Omaha metropolitan community has been a tremendous supporter of those who wear the uniform, and I can’t thank them enough for all they do for us.”

The 114th Fighter Wing of the South Dakota Air National Guard conducted the flyover of two F-16s.

The U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band and six musicians from the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, came together to perform the national anthem as a special ensemble to commemorate the historic event.

“Moments like these serve as opportunities for us to tell communities across the country that for 75 years, their U.S. Air Force has defended the nation, deterred our enemies, forged allies, and helped diplomacy worldwide,” said Capt. David Neil Regner, Heartland of America Band and Heritage of America Band commander.

“Having the opportunity to be a part of the joint collaboration of the Heritage and Heartland of America Bands is one of the most monumental highlights of my Air Force career,” said Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Johnson, Heartland of America Band. “To have the chance to serve, to bring thousands of American citizens together to show our respect for the freedom that this great country provides, was an experience like no other.”

“It is no small undertaking to bring musicians from another band to augment Offutt (AFB) Brass for a more spectacular representation at such an important event in the Omaha area,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Thrower, Heartland of America Band. “It is an absolute pleasure to work with highly-skilled professionals that made every aspect of this happen without a hitch and it is an attestation to the professionalism throughout the entire Air Force with its multifaceted missions that keep this nation secure.”

The 10 new Air and Space Force recruits will never forget the VCSAF swearing them in before a CWS game as they begin their new careers as Airmen and Guardians.

Josh Martinez, a recruit for the Space Force, said: “It’s a huge honor. To me, it means the military is valuing someone like me, who is just taking the first step of their journey.”

For one night in the Midwest, America’s pastime took a moment to say thanks to the Airmen who have been completing the Air Force mission for more than 75 years.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the College World Series for helping us celebrate this historic milestone in our history,” Allvin said. “It was truly a great evening in the heartland.”