AFDW Airmen participate in Star Spangled Spectacular

Service members, Fort McHenry staff and volunteers participate in a flag-raising ceremony rehearsal as part of the Star-Spangled Spectacular celebration in Baltimore, Sept. 12, 2014. The event celebrates the bicentennial of the Battle of Baltimore, which provided the backdrop for Francis Scott Key's famous poem, "Defense of Fort McHenry," which later became America's national anthem. (U.S. Navy photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Laura Hoover)

AFDW Airmen participate in Star Spangled Spectacular

Published Sept. 19, 2014
By Master Sgt. Tammie Moore
Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Maryland -- Four Airmen from the Air Force District of Washington were selected to represent the Air Force in a flag-raising ceremony honoring the 200th anniversary of the National Anthem at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Sept. 14.

The AFDW Airmen who participated in the Star Spangled Spectacular flag raising were Staff Sgt. Chris Hekowczyk, AFDW; Airman 1st Class Rickey Williams, 11th Comptroller Squadron; Tech. Sgt. Robbin Free, 779th Medical Operations Squadron; and Airman 1st Class Jillian Lange, 844th Communications Group.

"I wasn't aware of how unique the opportunity was until I arrived at the venue," said Hekowczyk, AFDW Ceremonies and Protocol Specialist. "(There I) realized the significance of the event and the fact it is only celebrated every 100 years make it truly a once in a lifetime experience."

When Lange volunteered to help raise the flag she had no idea what the Star Spangled Spectacular flag raising entailed.

"I didn't really know what it was until I did research online about it; then I got really excited to be a part of it," said Lange, 844 CG electrical instrumentation technician.
The Airmen hoisted the 40 feet by 32 feet flag alongside service members from each branch of the armed forces, Fort McHenry staff, and volunteers.

Hekowczyk said his time as a member of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard influenced how he felt preparing for the event.

"I wanted to perform the task with the dignity and respect it deserved," said the native of Colorado Springs, Colorado. "I wanted to lend my past experiences and knowledge to anyone who may have needed it, and contribute to the event's success in any way possible."

As the flag rose into the sky, Lange knew this would be a moment she wouldn't forget.

"The most memorable part was actually raising the flag when the national anthem started playing and seeing the fireworks go off all around," said the native of Attleboro, Massachusetts. "It was a beautiful historic moment! I felt really proud being one of four people to represent the Air Force. It's moments like these that I remember why I joined in the first place, and that I love my country and my Air Force."

The week-long celebration themed "Star-Spangled Spectacular" featured not only the joint service flag raising, but also a performance by the Blue Angles, living history demonstrations, and a fireworks display.