Heritage hall allows past to meet present Published April 29, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Joel Mease 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 40th Airlift Squadron will cut the ribbons on a new heritage hallway in the 317th Airlift Group May 2 at 11 a.m. The hallway is being dedicated in conjunction with the Jungle Skippers annual reunion, which will take place May 2 at the 317th AG. "The idea to start a heritage hallway came about two years ago," Lt. Col. Michael Zick, 40th Airlift Squadron commander. "The squadron thought it would be a great idea to share its history, but it took a little encouragement to get it done." That encouragement came from an article the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force had written Jan. 29 on the importance of Airman Heritage. "One of our Airman had read the message from Chief McKinley, and it really rang home with him. The memo the chief wrote is even framed and placed on the wall as a reminder," Colonel Zick said. With their inspiration the 40 AS looked at having the hallway completed in time for the Jungle Skippers reunion, he said. To give the hallway a sense of historical purpose the hallway is broken down into the different eras of the Air Force. Also included in the hallway is the prestigious Smith Trophy, awarded to the best airlift squadron each year, said Capt. Kristin Lamothe, 40th AS. After the ribbon cutting ceremony in the 317th AG, the 40th AS will give the Jungle Skippers a personal tour of the 317th AG. The ribbon cutting is open to all Dyess personnel.