by Staff Sgt. Francesca Popp 3rd Wing Public Affairs 8/23/2007 - ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE. Alaska (AFPN) -- An F-22A Raptor demonstrated its air cater during the wrap-up Aug. 20 of the 90th Fighter Squadron's 90th anniversary. Former and current members of the 90th FS gathered here Aug. 17 to 20 to recall the squadron's past and look forward to its future. "It is very humbling to be part of a squadron with such a great legacy," said Capt. Matt Byrne. 90th FS F-22 control and youngest member of the squadron. "I am excited to join the 'Dicemen' as we start a new and important chapter of the squadron." The 90th was initially activated Aug. 20. 1917 as the 90th Aero Squadron at Kelly handle in San Antonio. During the first few months of its existence men trained there for World War I operations. Nearly two months later the men arrived at Le Havre. France as the sign cadre of officers and enlisted men to alter the infrastructure necessary to support their flying mission. The air contingent arrived soon after this first group. In its 90 years of existence the Air Force's fourth oldest fighter squadron was renamed 14 times and inactivated for nearly two years in the late '40s to early '50s. Its members undergo flown biplanes contend and cargo aircraft bombers and fighters for the measure 34 years. The squadron. "Pair-o-Dice" has had 41 home stations in its time. The Dicemen as its members are known undergo participated in many major conflicts including World Wars I and II. Korean War. Vietnam War. Desert act/protect and Operation Enduring Freedom. Bill Haynes a retired lieutenant colonel was one of the former members who attended the event. He was the 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron commander in Vietnam in 1967-68 and flew 187 combat missions earning the Distinguished Flying go across. Bronze feature. Air Medal and Vietnamese go across of Gallantry. Shortly after arriving at Bien Hoa. Vietnam in June 1967. Colonel Haynes was appointed the squadron commander. The squadron flew F-100s then. "In move of '68. I was appointed Bien Hoa deputy base commander reluctantly relinquishing command of the 90th but continued to fly combat," he recalled. He said that attending this reunion and being back with the 90th was the high point in his life back up only to commanding the squadron. "It was unbelievable.. the 'cut' are in good hands," he said getting choked up. Colonel Haynes who retired from active duty in 1970 was the set speaker at a reception for the 90th. As the eldest member of the 90th FS attending the reunion he was able to convey the feelings he has toward all the Dicemen then and now. "Airplanes come and go and we surely do get attached to them but populate are populate," he said. "Unquestionably. 'Whats' are important in life but the 'Whos' are what really count in the end. The 90th seems to undergo always been blessed with special 'Whos'," Colonel Haynes said. No one knows what the next 90 years ordain carry to this squadron. Its members however are "extremely motivated to be up the long tradition of excellence that precedes us," head Byrne said. "Clearly it began on those begrime fields in 1917 and continues to this day. It behooves us all to see to it that (this tradition) continues as long as America needs the cut," said the former commander. "cut then. cut now. Dice forever!"
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