Creators of EC 'Eagles' graphic discuss their collaboration

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs
FORT DIX, N.J. --  Just over four months have passed since the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center adopted the new name, the "Eagles." 

Most recently, the framework for the logo for the "Eagles" moniker has changed. Previously, it stated "Vision, Readiness, Victory" at the base of the artwork. Now, it reads, "Airpower ... from the ground up." 

The new slogan made it's debut during the USAF EC briefing at the Airlift Tanker Association Convention in Nashville, Tenn., in October. Maj. Gen. Kip Self, Center commander, presented it to several hundred people who were on hand for the Center's ATA briefing. 

The designers and collaborators who presented the "Eagles" idea, the Center's very own Master Sgt. Michael Harris, Tech. Sgt. Charles Glunt and Mr. Bill Berks, say they were happy to give the Center a new kind of identity. 

"In an Air Force that very few know what it is that the Expeditionary Center actually does, it gives us an identity that can speak to our mission," Sergeant Harris said. 

Sergeant Glunt added, "It is truly a privilege, and I may never know the overall impact it will have." 

For Mr. Berks, a fan of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles, the name was a "no-brainer." He said the final product also meets up with what his vision was and fits the unique mission of the USAF EC. 

"I like it," Mr. Berks said. "The logo has incorporated a symbol of our country, acknowledged the local environment and conceptualized the expeditionary concept throughout the logo and mascot." 

In the development process, Sergeant Harris designed a logo which he thought could be a starting point. Sergeant Glunt and Mr. Berks turned in a submission as well. The final product ended up being a culmination of all of their ideas. 

"I was just having fun with it and never thought the concept would have been accepted," Sergeant Glunt said. "It was great to be a part of the effort." 

When the initial design and name was unveiled during a commander's call in September, General Self recognized all three of the men for their efforts and contributions with a commander's coin. 

The newest version of the Center logo appears throughout the Center and on many official documents with a global reach such as the World Wide Web. The logo is also prominently displayed in each edition the USAF EC's on-line publication - The Expeditionary Airman.