TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --
More than 1,200 Airmen, their families and local community members witnessed an extra special performance Friday night as part of the base' s Air Force 60th Anniversary Ball.
The special performance came from the guest speaker Mr. Jay Leno, host of The Tonight Show, who came to show his appreciation to the men and women who serve in the military.
"I accept all the invitations I can for the armed forces. If they get a kick out of me telling jokes, it's the least I can do to show my appreciation," said Leno.
In keeping with tradition, the member with the most time-in-service, Col. Robert Lucania, 60th Medical Surgical Operations Squadron, and the member with the least time-in-service, Airman Basic Morgan Campbell, 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron, had the honor of cutting the cake with Leno's assistance. With knife in hand, Colonel Lucania and Airman Campbell cut the cake together symbolizing the cooperation that exists between the ranks.
After the cutting of the cake, it was time for the special guest to take center stage.
Laughter filled the hangar for over an hour as Leno entertained the audience with his stand-up routine.
"He was so funny, my wife had to keep helping me back in my chair I was laughing so hard," joked Capt. John Flynn, 60th Air Mobility Wing executive officer. "It was a world-class performance from a world-class guy."
However, even the man known for his vast entertainment ability, took a moment to express a more serious message.
"It's a tremendous honor for me to be here," he said. "I want to say 'Thank you for your service' to the men and women at Travis. It's funny to think it has only been 60 years that the Air Force has been around; it's come a long way."
The Travis Air Museum helped commemorate the Air Force's 60 years with displays of historical memorabilia. But nothing could top the living historical display in the vintage uniform proudly worn by Duncan Miller a World War II pilot. Mr. Miller was wearing the same uniform he wore when he served here at Travis 60 years ago.