72nd FSS unveils new emblem Published Jan. 29, 2009 By 72nd Force Support Squadron Marketing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Emblems that adorn military uniforms are a time-honored tradition dating back to WWI. With a strong desire to be a registered part of Air Force history, the newly-formed 72nd Force Support Squadron set out in July 2008 to develop an official emblem. The emblem design was the Force Support Squadron Director, Dan Bell's inspiration to combine the torch and flames of the Services occupational badge with the airplane in flight from the 72nd Mission Support Squadron organizational badge. "When we merged the squadron back in July, we wanted to develop a new chant that best identified our squadron. What we came up with was "One Team...One Fight!" Building upon our chant, it was pretty easy to bring the best of both Services and MSS organizational emblems into one that we could be proud of. I can remember when we use to wear out squadron patches on our "fatigues" (an old word for ABU's). We were proud to show our squadron patch to others and I wanted to make sure that legacy of having a squadron emblem would continue. We no longer wear them on our ABU's but the squadron emblem will symbolize our unit heritage and history for generations to come," said Mr. Bell. The FSS emblem is a unique representation of the men and women from Services and Mission Support Squadrons who have now merged as a united Force Support Squadron. The olive branch historically represents peace and is often seen on many US Government seals and emblems. Similarly, military organizations often use the lightning bolt to represent combat strength and readiness. Together, the olive branch and the bolt of lightning depict the responsibility of the Force Support Squadron to operate effectively during peacetime and in combat. The placement of the olive branch and lightning bolt as one element on opposite sides of the torch, with a plane circling the globe, highlights the Force Support Squadron's continuous responsibilities; From peacetime operations to combat, and in bringing troops home. The torch is a historic symbol of the Olympic Games and has long represented excellence. The new emblem captures the attributes of strength, vigilance, spirit, and camaraderie that are the center of the Force Support Squadron mission. The process of forwarding the emblem package to the Air Force Heraldry Office is a long and arduous one. Kimberly Woodruff, FSS Marketing and Advertising Speicialist, started the package on its way along with the assistance of Chris Wright, Archivist with the OC-ALC History Office. During the process, the package was reviewed by MAJCOM, approved by the Air Force Historical Research Agency at Maxwell AFB, Ala., and finally rendered by the Army Institute of Heraldry at Fort Belvoir, Va. There were a few changes made along the way but six months later, the long wait is now over and the Force Support Squadron has an official emblem. "Acquiring a new emblem takes time because there is a thorough review process which works to guarantee adherence to established heraldic standards outlined in the governing instruction for emblem design, AFI 84-105, Organizational Lineage, Honors and Heraldry. This is necessary to ensure that an organization has an enduring symbol of their mission which promotes camaraderie and morale among its personnel and establishes a sense of tradition for all who follow," said Mr. Wright. "This new unit emblem clearly demonstrates the mission of the new FSS across the entire spectrum of manpower, personnel and services support. It's exciting to be at the forefront of the dynamic changes the Air Force is undertaking in the 21st century," said Mr Bell.