181027-F-RP072-0362

Col. Gail Seymour "Hal" Halvorsen, a retired officer and command pilot in the United States Air Force, gestures for the crowd to take their seats after he receives a standing ovation at the Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium in Grapevine, Texas, Oct. 25, 2018. Halvorsen, who made a surprise visit to A/TA, is best known as the "Berlin Candy Bomber" or "Uncle Wiggly Wings" dropped candy to German children during the Berlin airlift from 1948 to 1949. Halvorsen is an example of innovation and leadership, offering today's mobility Airmen a reminder of the powerful impact mobility Airmen have on the lives of others. A/TA, AMC's premier professional development event, provides mobility Airmen an opportunity to learn about and discuss mobility priorities, issues, challenges, and successes. The venue creates dialogue between industry experts and Air Force and Department of Defense about ways to innovate, enhance mission effects and advance readiness headed into the future. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jodi Martinez)