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Unit patch featured of Air Force Academy football uniforms

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mary Hinson
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. --  The unit patch of the Air Force Reserve's 315th Airlift Wing at Charleston AFB, S.C., has been selected as one of ten patches throughout the Air Force to be featured on the football jerseys of players from the U.S. Air Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The 315th Airlift Wing patch was the only one chosen from the Air Force Reserve Command. 

The idea behind the "Heritage Units" is to bring the Air Force and the Academy closer. The 315th Airlift Wing patch was chosen based on its long-standing and illustrious history by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Air Force Historian as part of the Air Force's 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, Korean and Vietnam. 

" It's an honor for the 315 AW to be recognized by the Chief of Staff and the Air Force Academy Falcon football team, and highlights the great team we have with the Active Duty and Operational Reserve in today's Air Force," said Col. Mark Bauknight, vice commander of the 315th Airlift Wing and 1984 graduate of the Air Force Academy. 

The patches will be worn on the front of the team's home-game jerseys, near one shoulder, during the upcoming season. This will be the first time unit patches have been displayed on the football uniforms, although the Academy's basketball team wore patches from deployed units during this past playoff season. 

Additionally, information about the unit and the history of the patch will be placed in the programs and given to announcers to discuss during all televised games.