On 02 September 2010, thanksgiving mass was held at the Lorete Chapel in commemoration of the 42nd founding anniversary of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing (PAW). This year, the celebration goes under the theme, “Bluebirds at 42: In-STEP with the President’s Commitment to Serve the Nation.”
Among the pre-anniversary activities conducted were the “Wing Fun Run” participated by all personnel, a visit to “Tahanan ni Maria,” a home for the aged, and Family Day which allowed the 250th PAW personnel to enjoy the company of their respective loved ones.
The anniversary was formally celebrated on 03 September with the Commanding General of Philippine Air Force as guest of honor. One of the highlights of the celebration was the awarding of the In-STEP award to deserving men and women of the Wing for their outstanding achievements and remarkable display of PAF’s Core Values; Integrity, Service above self, Teamwork, Excellence, and Professionalism.
This year’s awardees include MAJ LORETO B PASAMONTE PAF (Officer of the Year / Professionalism Award), SSg Geovani S Talaver PAF (NCO of the Year / Professionalism Award), A1C Jeoffrey P Galolo PAF (Airman of the Year / Professionalism Award), Mr Carmelo H Rasco (Civilian Employee of the Year), Sgt Rio R Bravo PAF (Integrity Award), Sgt Venus L Salazar (Service Award), Mrs Gloria V Marzan (Service Award), 251st Presidential Airlift Squadron (Squadron of the Year – Flying Category / Teamwork Award), and 256th Security Squadron (Squadron of the Year – Support Category / Teamwork Award). Awards were presented by no less than Air Force Chief, LTGEN OSCAR H RABENA AFP. He was assisted by the 250th PAW Wing Commander, COL ALEXANDER P BOTE (GSC) PAF.
The celebration ended with a simple yet enjoyable Bluebirds’s Night. The event was likewise the Wing’s way of treating its personnel for delivering a job-well done. It was attended not only by the personnel of the Wing but also the former Bluebirds.
In respect with this year’s anniversary theme, 250th PAW vows to continue to keep pace with the new Commander-in-Chief in giving utmost service to the Filipino people. With the PAF In-STEP core values as their guiding principles, the Bluebirds will carry on its mission to provide safe, secure, and effective air transportation to the president of the Republic of the Philippines, the First Family, visiting Heads of State and other local and foreign VVIPs.
