Happy 67th Birthday U.S. Air Force! Published Sept. 18, 2014 By Master Sgt. Timm Huffman BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- On Sept. 18, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act, establishing the U.S. Air Force as an independent service. On its 67th birthday, Brig. Gen. Samuel "Bo" Mahaney, Air Reserve Personnel Center commander, reflects on the legacy of the Air Force in a personal letter to Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold, the pioneering Airman who was taught to fly by the Wright Brothers, commanded the Army Air Forces in victory over Germany and Japan in World War II and fought for an independent Air Force. Henry Harley "Hap" Arnold (June 25, 1886 - January 15, 1950) was an American general officer holding the grades of General of the Army and General of the Air Force. Dear Hap, Like all those times I wrote to you from your home at March ARB, I'm writing to you to thank you. Out of your dreams, came the greatest Air Force the world has ever known. You risked everything for what you believed. You stood by your Wingman General Mitchell, when few had the courage to do so. Because of your stand, our Airmen know the meaning of conviction, determination and courage. Because of your character, Airmen followed you to the greatest victory over oppression in the history of the world. And now, another Air Force birthday is upon us. Here's to you sir, and Happy Birthday to the United States Air Force. Happy 67th Birthday, U.S. Air Force! From Brig. Gen. Samuel "Bo" Mahaney and The Air Reserve Personnel Center