MacDill Airmen shine at Tampa Bay Rays game celebrating 78th Air Force anniversary

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  • 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  

U.S. Air Force Airmen from MacDill Air Force Base took center stage at a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game on Sept. 18, 2025, as the team honored the Air Force’s 78th anniversary with a series of heartfelt tributes. The event, held at George M. Steinbrenner Field, showcased the strong partnership between MacDill AFB and the Tampa Bay community.

U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, throws the first pitch during the Tampa Bay Rays baseball game in Tampa, Florida, Sept. 18, 2025. The Rays recognized the 78th anniversary of the Air Force by hosting service members from MacDill Air Force Base at the game. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Tam)

U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, throws the first pitch during the Tampa Bay Rays baseball game in Tampa, Florida, Sept. 18, 2025. The Rays recognized the 78th anniversary of the Air Force by hosting service members from MacDill Air Force Base at the game. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Tam)
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Laron Washington, 6th Air Refueling Wing Equal Opportunity director, performs the national anthem during the Tampa Bay Rays baseball game in Tampa, Florida, Sept. 18, 2025. The event strengthened the bond between MacDill Air Force Base and the local community, showcasing mutual respect and support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Tam)

Laron Washington, 6th Air Refueling Wing Equal Opportunity director, performs the national anthem during the Tampa Bay Rays baseball game in Tampa, Florida, Sept. 18, 2025. The event strengthened the bond between MacDill Air Force Base and the local community, showcasing mutual respect and support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Tam)
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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jeremy Francisco, 6th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, and Golyko, military working dog, waves to the crowd during the Tampa Bay Rays baseball game in Tampa, Florida, Sept. 18, 2025. During the game, Airmen assigned to the 6th ARW were recognized for their service and contributions to the community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Tam)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jeremy Francisco, 6th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, and Golyko, military working dog, waves to the crowd during the Tampa Bay Rays baseball game in Tampa, Florida, Sept. 18, 2025. During the game, Airmen assigned to the 6th ARW were recognized for their service and contributions to the community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Tam)
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The Tampa Bay Rays’ recognition of MacDill’s Airmen highlighted the Air Force’s core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. The event strengthened community ties and showcased the vital contributions of MacDill AFB to national defense and local pride.

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