An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

315th founding fathers visit Charleston

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Darren S. Ellis
  • 315th Public Affairs
CHARLESTON S.C. --  The 315th Airlift Wing hosted a reunion at Charleston Air Force Base May 21 for the 315th Troop Carrier Group and their family members.

The 315 TCG was established in 1942 during World War II and members of the 315 TCG Association hold a reunion every two years to honor the group and recall their accomplishments during the Normandy invasion, Operation Market Garden and more.

"I love our reunions," said retired Army Air Corps pilot Lieutenant Colonel Jack Geist of the 315 TCG. "The association we have together and the memories we share is why I do my best to make this event every time I can."

The 315 AW Public Affairs facilitated the reunion. The group was first given a bus tour of the base that included an overview of the numerous squadrons and functions that occur here daily.

"The opportunity for us to show our base to this historic group of people is an honor," said Captain Wayne Capps, the 315 AW Public Affairs officer. "Our mission started with them, and we have a privileged opportunity to ensure the mission continues."

When the bus tour was completed, the group toured a C-17 Globemaster III. Members of the 300th Airlift Squadron gave the group a static tour of the aircraft, answered questions and allowed them to take pictures while on the aircraft.

"It's amazing how different the aircraft are today," said retired C-47 pilot Lt. Col. Dick Ford of the 315 TCG. "It's obvious that we started the 315th and you are continuing with a blaze of glory."

Once the aircraft tour was completed, the group was joined by fifteen non-commissioned officers attending the NCO Leadership Development Course here. Students from the course were able to hear about actual events of World War II from the people that paved the way for the 315th Airlift Wing.

"It's a huge opportunity for them to be able to talk with the founding fathers of our wing," said Chief Master Sgt. Ben Futrell, 315 AW command chief master sergeant. "It's always good to look back at the foundation builders of the 315 AW, and to have the opportunity to meet some of these great people face-to-face is priceless."

The group made one last stop and received a briefing by the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. The 315 AES trains and deploys AE crews to provide in-flight medical care aboard aircraft used to airlift patients.

The 315 TCG Association members ended their reunion by presenting the 315 AW a historical shadow box to be displayed in the 315 AW headquarters.