Commemorative centennial painting donated to 1st RS

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Beale gathered at the Community Activity Center to witness the unveiling of commemorative painting honoring the centennial of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., March 7, 2013.

Aviation artist Kristin Hill presented Lt. Col. Stephen Rodriguez, 1st RS commander, and Col. Phil Stewart, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander, with a painting depicting the squadron's 100 years of military air power.

Hill is an active participant in the U.S. Air Force Art Program, which allows artists the opportunity to travel with the Air Force to witness military facilities and exercises for the purpose of capturing these events in the form of paintings.

Through this program, Hill has amassed more than 250 aviation and military art paintings and has work featured in many international airports as well as the Pentagon.

Hill said she drew inspiration for the centennial painting through her opportunity to fly in a U-2 and interact with the squadron.

"I wanted to capture the service of the men and women of the 1st RS," Hill said. "It's my way of honoring their sacrifice."

The painting also featured many aircraft assigned to 1st RS including the U-2 "Dragon Lady" and SR-71 Blackbird.

"I think it's wonderful," said Lt. Col. (ret.) Tony Bevacqua, former U-2 and SR-71 pilot. "It's a fitting tribute to a squadron that's had some very unique aircraft."

The art donation was just one of the many events honoring the squadron's 100 years of aviation history.

Rodriguez said the donated painting will be displayed at the 1st RS building for many years to come.

"It's an honor to receive this work of art and we will display it proudly," Rodriquez said.