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Unit patch to adorn Air Force Academy football uniforms

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mary Hinson
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Players on the U.S. Air Force Academy football team will wear the 315th Airlift Wing unit patch on their jerseys this year. The Air Force Reserve Command unit is one of 10 Air Force units to have its unit's patch sported on the academy jerseys.

The idea behind the "Heritage Units" is to bring the Air Force and the academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., closer together. The chief of staff of the Air Force and the Air Force historian selected the 315th AW patch because of the unit's long-standing and illustrious history. They felt it is one of the better units to represent the Air Force during its 60th anniversary events.

Originally established as the 315th Troop Carrier Group in 1952, the 315th Airlift Wing's heritage includes many foreign, combat and non-combat decorations; campaign expedition credits; service streamers; and years of service dating back to World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

"It's an honor for the 315th AW to be recognized by the chief of staff and the Air Force Academy Falcon football team," said Col. Mark Bauknight, vice commander of the 315th AW and a 1984 Air Force Academy graduate. "It highlights the great team we have with the active duty and operational reserve in today's Air Force."

The players will wear the patches near a shoulder on the front of the team's home-game jerseys during the upcoming season. This will be the first time players will wear the unit patches on the football uniforms, although the academy's basketball team wore patches from deployed units during this past playoff season.

During televised games, the announcers and game programs will give more information about the units and the history of the patches. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)