A family’s long and cherished history with CAFB
May God’s richest blessings continue to rest on CAFB.
Ever since I heard about the 70th anniversary of Columbus AFB I began remembering about the time when my late brother, Amos Vincent Davis (a retired reserve officer) came to the CAFB to take his pilot training.
I was only 12 at the time and it as 1943. Amos received his gold bars as a second lieutenant that year. My, he was so great looking in his uniform and our family was so very proud of him.
Amos always said that next to his love of God, his family and his country, he loved flying up in those clouds. It defied description. He was always awed by it.
Each time he and his wife came here to visit from Chattanooga, Tenn., he would drive out to the base to see what changes had been made since his last visit.
All three of my brothers served in the armed forces during World War II, and one was wounded in the desert of North Africa. Two of them went to their heavenly home — Amos last Christmas and Fred the December before that.
I am sure Amos was flying higher than ever as he soared to his greatest height, into a glorious light, and that he “reached out and touched the face of God.” For all his life, truly God was his co-pilot.
I salute each of you on the base, and this town of Columbus, which my husband and I have come to love so much. My husband is also Air Force retired. We moved here 30 years ago. Columbians have shown themselves to be the very epitome of Southern hospitality. This city has so much to offer families that come here to live.
It is our prayer that Columbus Air Force Base will always be here for the people of this area. The base and its personnel have served Columbus and our country so well.
God’s richest blessings, and our sincere thanks to all of you.
Mrs. Geraldine (Gerri) Gills
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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