Team Kirtland celebrates Air Force’s 63rd birthday Published Sept. 24, 2010 By Jonathan Rejent Nucleus staff Kirtland Air Force Base, NM -- Team Kirtland celebrated the U.S. Air Force's 63rd birthday Sept. 17 at the Mountain View Club. Brig. Gen. Everett Thomas, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center commander and guest speaker during the event, reflected on the transition from the Army Air Corps to the U.S. Air Force, and the branch's progress since its establishment. Following his speech, General Thomas cut a cake with one of the youngest Airmen stationed at Kirtland AFB, Airman 1st Class Bre'Jon Modock, 377th Medical Operations Squadron.