Father’s Day is rapidly approaching and as usual, many people are racking their brains trying to come up with a gift that their dad, husband, or other man in their life will love. It’s not always an easy task. If your loved one serves in the Air Force, then consider giving him one of the many Air Force gifts available today. You can easily find a great gift idea for Father’s Day that compliments their service and sacrifice in this branch of the United States Armed Forces.

The most difficult part about buying Air Force gifts is deciding which one the recipient will want the most. However, probably the most important factor to consider is how much you want to spend. Many Air Force gifts are very affordable and can be found for under $30. There are other Air Force gifts that can cost you several hundreds of dollars, such as a gold Air Force ring. Your budget matters and that’s certainly indicative of just about any purchase today.

So what are you going to get your Air Force man for Father’s Day? Probably one of the most common gifts for both airman and officers is a piece of Air Force clothing. You’ll find hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and even underwear all designed with the Air Force in mind. Some can be personalized with the member’s name, rank, and unit, while others are nothing more than a way to poke fun at the rest of the military or at a specific branch. Let’s face it – there is certainly a bit of competition among the various branches of the Armed Forces.

If clothing isn’t quite what you had in mind, how about Air Force gifts that are specific to the aircraft that your loved works on or is associated with. The Air Force has many different types of aircraft and each plays a vital role in successful missions, including those that require fighter capabilities, transporting troops and supplies, or providing other types of support. The men and women that work on these aircraft are the reason why the Air Force is such a powerful entity. When Father’s Day rolls around, gifts that focus on these aircraft are a great gift idea.

Military jewelry is also a great gift and one that is sure to become a treasure to the recipient. Consider an Air Force ring, a pendant, or a watch. Military rings and watches are the most common military gifts, but for Father’s Day, a pendant that comes in two parts is an excellent choice. One half of the pendant can be worn by a son or daughter and the other half is to be worn by Dad. There are also two piece pendants that are a great choice for a husband and wife. Watches can be engraved on the back with the date and a short message and the face of the watch can be one of the many Air Force emblems. These are great gift ideas for Father’s Day that are sure to make this holiday one that is remembered for years to come.

The Air Force is one of the smaller branches of the Armed Forces, but that doesn’t make it any less important. These men and women provide safety in the skies above our country, protection for our forces deployed overseas, and strategic bombing when needed. The support and maintenance units help ensure that the aircraft are ready for action at a moment’s notice.

If you want to give Air Force gifts to your friends or family members who serve this country, then you’re in luck! There are many great gift ideas that will delight the Air Force member in your life. Some are very elegant. Others are useful. Still more are great for gag gifts! First decide which type of gift that you want to give.

For those that want an elegant and formal Air Force gift, then consider Air Force jewelry, such as rings, pendants, key chains, earrings, and bracelets. These are beautiful tokens of a military member’s service and most can be personalized with a short message or important date. These gifts will really resonate with your airman or officer, as everyone loves to receive a gift that is specifically made for them.

Other formal Air Force gifts include shadowboxes and display cases. You can fill a display case with the airman’s medals, photos, and patches. This is a great idea for someone who is retiring or just received a promotion. Other Air Force gifts might include a personalized desk set, a plaque honoring the recipient’s service, or even set of engraved glasses.

For those that love military clothing, there are so many Air Force gifts that run down this line. Jackets and hats are two of the most popular, but t-shirts and sweats are right behind. Many of the t-shirts poke fun at another branch of the military, as the competition between the branches is high. In addition, you can find some great Air Force scarves, boxers, and even socks that most people will really enjoy receiving as a gift.

Most members of the Air Force have spent time deployed in support of military operations around the world. These deployments are quite difficult on their friends and family, as well as on themselves. However, there is a great deal of pride in serving their country across the globe. Consider giving Air Force gifts that recognize these military operations, such as Operations Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and Iraqi Freedom.  Your friend or family member will appreciate the recognition for such service. You may also want to consider honoring an Air Force Veteran who served in such conflicts as Vietnam or Korea.

In closing, when consider which of the many Air Force gifts will be best received, think about what type of job the airman has and where he or she has been stationed. This will help you choose the best gift possible, but remember that it’s the show of appreciation for their service, sacrifice, and dedication that really matters to your military friend or family member.

The Air Force is one of the smaller branches of the Armed Forces, but that doesn’t make it any less important. These men and women provide safety in the skies above our country, protection for our forces deployed overseas, and strategic bombing when needed. The support and maintenance units help ensure that the aircraft are ready for action at a moment’s notice.

If you want to give Air Force gifts to your friends or family members who serve this country, then you’re in luck! There are many great gift ideas that will delight the Air Force member in your life. Some are very elegant. Others are useful. Still more are great for gag gifts! First decide which type of gift that you want to give.

For those that want an elegant and formal Air Force gift, then consider Air Force jewelry, such as rings, pendants, key chains, earrings, and bracelets. These are beautiful tokens of a military member’s service and most can be personalized with a short message or important date. These gifts will really resonate with your airman or officer, as everyone loves to receive a gift that is specifically made for them.

Other formal Air Force gifts include shadowboxes and display cases. You can fill a display case with the airman’s medals, photos, and patches. This is a great idea for someone who is retiring or just received a promotion. Other Air Force gifts might include a personalized desk set, a plaque honoring the recipient’s service, or even set of engraved glasses.

For those that love military clothing, there are so many Air Force gifts that run down this line. Jackets and hats are two of the most popular, but t-shirts and sweats are right behind. Many of the t-shirts poke fun at another branch of the military, as the competition between the branches is high. In addition, you can find some great Air Force scarves, boxers, and even socks that most people will really enjoy receiving as a gift.

Most members of the Air Force have spent time deployed in support of military operations around the world. These deployments are quite difficult on their friends and family, as well as on themselves. However, there is a great deal of pride in serving their country across the globe. Consider giving Air Force gifts that recognize these military operations, such as Operations Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and Iraqi Freedom.  Your friend or family member will appreciate the recognition for such service. You may also want to consider honoring an Air Force Veteran who served in such conflicts as Vietnam or Korea.

In closing, when consider which of the many Air Force gifts will be best received, think about what type of job the airman has and where he or she has been stationed. This will help you choose the best gift possible, but remember that it’s the show of appreciation for their service, sacrifice, and dedication that really matters to your military friend or family member.

The 53^rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron is one of a king. It is the only DOD organization that still flies into hurricanes and tropical storms and it’s been doing so since 1944. What actually started on a dare has grown into a full fledged squadron responsible for tracking, measuring, and reporting on tropical storms and hurricanes.

Equipped with ten WC-130J aircraft, this squadron is stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi at Kessler Air Force Base. The aircraft and crew are part of the 403^rd Wing. With a history over fifty years, traced back to the 3^rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. However, during this time, the B-17 was the aircraft of choice for weather reconnaissance during World War 11.  In September 1945, the 53^rd became the first to fly into a hurricane intentionally. It became their primary mission, however, and the name “Hurricane Hunters” seemed very fitting.

For the next several decades, the squadron was deployed around the world. Because there wasn’t satellite communications, the 53^rd would become responsible for collecting and transmitted data to weather stations all over the planet. These weather stations would prepare forecasts for the U.S. Weather Bureau and the United States Air Force.  Another type of aircraft that was often used was the WB-25 Mitchell. This was a medium sized bomber that ended up with a variety of missions.

It wasn’t until 1947 that the United States Weather Bureau would begin their hurricane warning service. In 1953, all hurricanes would be given the names of women. It was a way for the public to easily track the hurricanes. Several experiments were conducted by the 53^rd with the help of the Weather Bureau. One experiment tried to diminish the intensity of a hurricane by spraying the clouds with dry ice particles. Unfortunately, this was not effective.

Once WWII had ended, the 53^rd inherited several WB-29 Superfortress aircraft. This was the first aircraft that was designed for the weather service with the letter “W.” This was also the first aircraft that flew above a hurricane at an altitude of 22,000 feet. A special assignment, though, was still to come.

In 1953, the squadron was flying daily into the far north and the children of the crew and other personnel wanted their letters delivered to Santa. The word quickly spread and suddenly there were letters to Santa pouring in from all over the world. The 53^rd would be responsible for those letters for years to come.

There were other aircraft that were used by the 53^rd over the years. The WB-47 Stratojet would eventually be replaced by the WC-130 Hercules in 1963. After Hurricane Camille hit the Gulf Coast in 1969, Congress wanted the Hurricane Hunters to be closer to the Coast. By 1973, they got their request and the 53^rd moved to Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi.

In 1975, the Air Force Reserve would activate the 815^th Weather Reconnaisance Squadron. Nicknamed the “Storm Trackers,” many combined missions with the 53^rd would earn respect throughout the Armed Forces. In 1991, the 53^rd would be deactivated due to budget cuts and the entire mission of hurricane hunting would go to the 815^th.  The combination of tactical airlift missions and storm hunting would prove too much for one squadron, however. The weather squadron brought back the “Hurricane Hunters” and the 53^rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron carries on the tradition today.

If you or a loved one have served with the 53^rd or the 815^th, then you should celebrate that services with one of the many styles of Air Force rings. You can easily customize an Air Force ring with one of the hundreds of different insignia, symbols, and emblems that are available. In addition, you can have the inside of the band engraved with a personal message.

The 100^th Air Refueling Wing is part of the United States Air Force and stationed at RAF Mildenahll, England. It is the only U.S. air refueling wing that is permanent in Europe. It provides the critical air refueling “bridge” that allows the US Air Force to Deploy anywhere in the world on a moment’s notice.

The 100^th ARW was originally called the 100^th Bombardment Group. It originally was a B-17 Flying Fortress unit that was stationed at RAF Thorpe Abbotts in England. There were two Disguised Unit Citations given to this unit during and after World War II. This unit flew over 300 missions and suffered great losses during combat. Over 170 aircraft would be missing in action. On April 20, 1945, the unit flew its last mission.

The 100^th ARW is comprised of 15 KC-135 aircraft. The unit has over 16,000 personnel, which are assigned to four bases. The 100^th ARW was first stationed at Beale, AFB, California. There were no personnel or equipment when this unit first started. Eventually, the 17^th Bombardment Wing’s KC-135 Stratotankers were absorbed by the 100^th ARW. It assumed the responsibility for worldwide air refueling support from September 1976 until March 1983. It was then taken over by the 9^th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing.

For the next seven years, the unit would remain inactive. In July 1990, the 100^th ARW was reactivated, but with a new name – the 100^th Air Division. Its new home would be Whiteman AFB, Missouri. It would only be a year, however, before the unit would be deactivated again. Finally, in 1992, the 100^th ARW was reactivated in RAF Mildenhall. This is the long refueling wing for the Air Force in Europe.

The premier aircraft, the KC-135 Stratotanker is quite a unique aircraft. It was the Air Force’s first jet powered refueling tanker. It has been used extensively since the Vietnam War and it tremendously extends the range and endurance of almost all of the U.S. Military’s bombers and tactical fighters. It has been in service with the Air Force for over fifty years, making it only one of six aircraft to carry that distinction. Despite the increasing costs associated with maintenance, studies have shown that many of these aircraft can be safely flown until 2040. The KC-46 is the expected replacement.

The KC-135 has a multi-point refueling system, allowing it to refuel many different kinds of US aircraft, but also most of the NATO tactical jet aircraft, as well. It can also refuel two aircraft at the same time. It can hold up to 31,275 gallons of fuel and requires a crew of three. However, there is also room for up to 37 passengers.

If you or a loved one is part of the 100^th ARW, then you might consider an Air Force ring. There are beautiful insignias and emblems for the 100^th ARW available that you can have engraved on the sides. The inside of the band can also be personalized with an engraving. These Air Force rings are a terrific way to show your support for these men and women of the 100 AWR and they make a fantastic gift idea.

The 174^th Fighter Wing was originally formed as the 138^th Fighter Squadron on October 28, 1947. It was the first Air National Guard Unit in New York State after World War II. P-47D Thunderbolts were the first aircraft assigned at Hancock Field, which once was a base for the Army Air Force.

The first jet fighters arrived in 1950, which were the F-84B Thunderjets. It didn’t take long for this base to become the main jet fighter training base for the state of New York. In 1957, the 138^th Fighter Squadron was assigned to Tactical Air Command when the F-86H Sabres arrived. This would begin what become a long tradition of providing close air support as their primary mission.

President John F. Kennedy mobilized the 138^th Fighter Squadron in 1961 and it was under the control of the 102^nd Tactical Fighter Wing. During the Berlin Crisis, the unit was called to active duty. The unit was deployed to Platsbourg-Bourscheid Air Base for almost two years. Upon returning to the United States, the unit would be renamed the 174^th Tactical Fighter Group.

Over the next two decades, the 174^th Tactical Fighter Group would be called to active duty again. It was sent to Cannon AFB in New Mexico for the Pueblo Crisis. In 1979, the 174^th would change from a flying group to a wing. It would have a new aircraft, too: the A-10A Thunderbolt II. In 1988, the first F-16A Fighting Falcon would arrive. This 174^th would become the testing grounds for F-16A with a 30mm gun pod. The role of close air support was still its main mission. The year the F-16As arrived, the unit would receive the Air Force’s Outstanding Maintenance Squadron Award.

In 1991, the 174^th would deploy in support of Desert Storm, with 516 members. During Operation Desert Storm, the 174^th was one of only two Air National Guard units that flew combat missions. The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, along with the device for valor was awarded upon the unit’s return.

In 1992, the unit would get its current designation as the 174^th Fighter Wing. Two deployments to Incirlik, Turkey would come between 1995 and 1997. These deployments were in support of Operation Northern Watch and Operation Provide Comfort II. The F-16As were also upgraded to F-16Cs, known as the Fighting Falcon. The F-16C would depart Hancock Field for the last time in 2010, when the 174^th Fighter Wing would take on the MQ-9 Reaper, which is an unmanned combat aircraft.

If you or someone you know has served with the 174^th Fighter Wing, consider ordering an Air Force ring as a reminder of the service and sacrifice necessary to make this Fighter Wing so successful. The 174^th has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 4 times, showing the high level of commitment in this unit. There is no better way to recognize this dedication than with one of the many styles of Air Force rings. Each Air Force ring can be personalized and shipped to almost anywhere in the world.

The military stands on ceremony and that is never more evident than when an Honor Guard is present. The United States Air Force Honor Guard was activated in September of 1948 under the command of two officers with 98 enlisted men under them. It was assigned to the Air Police Squadron until 1972, when it became its own separate unit.

Each Air Force Base has its own Base Honor Guard, with members selected from different units stationed on the base. The Air Force also has an Honor Guard unit that is permanently assigned to Bolling AFB in Washington, D.C. This is a three year long assignment and Air Force members stationed around the world apply to be part of this elite unit. Members of this unit are often referred to as Ceremonial Guardsman.

The Air Force has used the Base Honor Guard for honors at military funerals since 1972; however, it wasn’t until 1995 that Air Force establish the Protocol, Honors, and Ceremonies course to ensure that all he funeral honors ceremony are performed the same each time. This course provided much needed guidance on everything the Honor Guard is tasked to do, including military funeral procedures and the uniform required. It is still used today and many times, the Honor Guard may go to Washington, D.C. for formal training at Bolling AFB. In some cases, a trainer from Bolling may be sent to provide the training.

In 2000, the Natural Defense Authorization Act was implemented, which provides for all veterans to receive military funeral honors. These honors include the folding of the United States flag and the presentation of this flag to the veteran’s next living relative. “Taps” is also performed by a member of the Base Honor Guard. Any service member who was honorably and had at least six months serviced time is considered an eligible veteran. Veterans’ funeral honors are performed by two or three members of the Base Honor Guard.

Retired members of the Air Force who completed 20 years or more are entitled to the “Standard Honors” for a military funeral. This ceremony involves six pallbearers, a six man flag fold, the playing of ‘Taps,” and the “21 gun salute.” The flag is presented to the next-of-kin and three of the shell cases from the rifle salute may also be presented.

Active-duty members receive a Full Honors Ceremony. This ceremony is performed by twenty Honor Guard members. There are six pallbearers, four color guard members, one bugler, seven members of the firing party, one NCO in charge of firing party, and one officer in charge of the entire detail. A flyover may be authorized if the fallen service member was on flying status. This formation is often called the “Missing Man” formation.

The Air Force Honor Guard recognizes the service and sacrifice of fallen Air Force members and veterans in a very solemn and dignified manner. It’s a last tribute and it means a great deal to family and friends. For those that are tasked with this honorable detail, an Air Force Honor Guard ring is a great way to say thank you for their volunteer service.

Throughout history gold has been used to enhance beauty and display wealth.
Gold military rings enhance skin tones and looks good on everyone.
Formerly gold jewelry was worn only by royalty and noblemen as an exhibit of their wealth and power.
In more recent times it has become accessible to the common man
through the technologies of alloys and plating.
Although the value of gold rises and falls over the short term,
its limited quantity in the world assures that its value will continue to go up over the long term

Gold military rings have been kept as an investment for centuries for members of the armed forces worldwide.  Women have hidden away their gold jewelry in the event of their husbands’ demise or inability to provide.
Wealthy investors have collected gold, melted it into bars and secreted it in strongholds until the price rose.

Gold jewelry’s value is determined by a couple factors.  The first is the skill and reputation of the designer. 
The second is the actual amount of gold used in creating military rings. Gold is a very soft metal.  If pure gold is used in jewelry, it would dent and scratch very easily during the course of a normal day of wear.  Therefore, gold is usually mixed with harder metals before being fashioned into jewelry.  The percentage of contained gold is stamped on all jewelry containing real gold.  It is called a karat weight and is signified by the numbers 10K, 12K, 14K, 18K and 24K, with 24K being pure gold and the most expensive.  In the United States it is important to note that any of these designations can be labeled, “solid gold,” as long as it is an alloy and not a gold-plated item.  In other words, “solid gold” does not equate to “pure gold.”

Gold Military Rings

Colored gold is made by mixing gold with other metals.  White gold is derived from gold mixed with palladium or nickel.  Rose gold is made by adding copper to gold.  A greenish tint can be obtained by adding white silver.  Attractive braids and other intricate and beautiful patterns are achieved by using several tints in one piece of jewelry.

Gold plating is the layering of gold over another metal.  This gives the appearance of expensive gold jewelry without the expense.  It’s real gold, but not solid; the gold doesn’t go all the way through, so it costs less.  The biggest problem with gold plating is that it doesn’t last.  With use the gold rubs away exposing the less valuable and less attractive base metal.  It is often purposefully and deceptively sold as solid gold, so be sure not to get duped!

Gold jewelry runs the gamut between small, delicate and reasonably priced to big, elaborate and impossibly expensive.  Find an affordable spot in that range and invest in some beautiful and valuable gold military rings.  It will provide beauty when worn and increase in value at the same time plus you will create a master piece for a family heirloom.

Plaques can vary in sizes and shapes and can be made of all types of woods
and other materials but in my opinion it’s always best to use a hardwood
as they are long lasting and when lacquered look fantastic. Marine plaques just like
any other military plaques offer the purchaser a excellent range in
terms of images and design.

A very popular on is the marine plaque in the shape of a heart
with the marine sword carefully place in the shape of an x behind it.

Military Plaques for Navy

The Navy plaque can be designed to reveal the name of a carrier you sailed in,
what rank you achieved throughout your career, whether you were a Navy
Officer or a Seabee the choices are endless. Details of your deployments can be engraved on the plaque also.

Military Plaques for Army

The Army which boasts of the largest department in the armed forces have probable also the largest selection of images to choose from. The unit, brigade and the battalion crests are very common on military plaques as is the Department of the Army insignia. Couple any of these with a campaign crest like Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom and you can create a plaque that will surely double as a treasured family heirloom. Imagine the pride that an item like this will instil in the heart of a young man or woman.

Military Plaques for Air Force

Flying high in the fastest aircraft on the planet having to make split second decision requires tremendous training and skill. Couple any unit crest with a campaign crest or a family coat of arms and you will have something that will take pride of place in any room in your home. Take the desert storm insignia with the name rank and the dates of deployment engraved underneath it on a Walnut plaque and you can design a masterpiece.

Military Plaques for Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard protects our shores and waterways from the perils of the undesirables twenty four hours a day throughout the year. For this we thank them and have designed a plaque in recognition of their bravery and unselfish attitude that we have observed since the day they were formed. The military plaques that we refer to in this posting are mostly the ones where you can engrave the details of the service member.

We also carry the embroideries which can have the family “Coat of Arms” embroidered in gold or silver thread and then framed in a frame of your choice.

Deployment Plaques for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom

These are two deployments that most of us are familiar with, and I will not hesitate to say that they are extremely important in shaping the history of the modern world. These were brought about by the terrrible events of 911 when terrorists brough down the iconic building called the twin towers in Ney York and murdered thousands of innocent victims.

Available for OIF, OEF, ODS and Vietnam

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