Via e-mail -- I noticed that Feb. 18 is listed as "Presidents Day" on your 2008 Torch Calendar. Shouldn't it be Washington's Birthday? Presidents Day is a marketing term made common by business. In addition, it has been so successful that people no longer remember that the date is actually Washington's Birthday observance. I believe by perpetuating the Presidents Day misnomer, we contribute to a little erroneous history. Thank you for a great publication.
Lenward Bonafede
Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.
You are correct that the federal holiday is officially designated as Washington's Birthday. However, since the late 80s, Presidents Day has become the common name (though still not the official name adopted by the federal government) for this federal holiday. Many federal agencies, states and local governments use the term Presidents Day. Both variants, along with "Washington and Lincoln Day," are among the official names of a number of coinciding state holidays, as well. The federal holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of February.
Because of its widespread usage, we chose to use the Presidents Day variant to avoid confusion with Washington's actual birthday, which is on Feb. 22 (also listed in our calendar). Thank you for your question and for your interest in Torch.
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A friend of my dad's had the Torch Calendar at work, and my dad was just blown away by the photos. So I had to get a copy to surprise him with it! Thanks!
Jennifer Rutkowski
Phoenix
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Thank you for your nice magazine and calendar. I work with the Nebraska Department of Education. We work with people with disabilities, many of whom are veterans. Your publication is very well done. I just love the Air Force, and I am sorry I never joined.
David Altman
Lincoln, Neb.
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I have been a huge fan of the Torch Calendar for three years now. I am currently serving as a military training officer in the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program and offer copies to my student pilots as incentives. Thanks!
First Lt. David G. Mitchell
Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas
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The 2008 Torch Calendars look great. Most people seem to like the new format. Although, two or three people did say they hoped the calendar wouldn't get any smaller because the average age of our workforce is over 50.
Lisa H. Aschbrenner
Hill Air Force Base, Utah
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For the past few years I have received your awesome calendar and enjoy the information contained within it. It is quite informative.
Brian Kreie
Enid, Okla.
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I obtained the Torch calendars for our Civil Air Patrol unit. We gave them out quick. They are a great part of our motivational efforts for cadets.
Chris Bolen
Crane, Ind.
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I am the administrative support person for the 664th Aeronautical Systems Squadron -- T-6A and T-6B (Joint Primary Aircraft Training Systems) aircraft, which is featured in the 2008 Torch Calendar. Your calendars were very popular with the T-6A Air Force and Navy team. Many people from the T-38 and T-1A aircraft teams (also aircraft featured in the calendar) saw them and wanted a copy as well. You have made several people very happy.
Carol D. Stollings
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio