Air Force Week Philadelphia culminates with McGuire air expo

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  • By Tech. Sgt. Ben Gonzales
  • Air Force Print News
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. (AFPN) --  Officials opened the gates here for an air expo to highlight the men, women and equipment of the Air Force May 31 and June 1 to culminate Air Force Week in Philadelphia.

The weather hampered aerial demonstrations May 31, but base and New Jersey officials still held a wreath-laying ceremony to open the air expo in honor of heroes past and present.

New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command and Col. Balan Ayyar, the 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, remembered fallen military members and former state law enforcement officials. A joint service color guard and a New Jersey trooper presented the colors and representatives from the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and New Jersey state police presented wreaths symbolizing their recognition of those who paid the ultimate price for America's freedom.

"Men and women from New Jersey serve in all branches of the service and in the police forces that protect our nation to give us our freedom," Governor Corzine said. "There is no greater gift than paying the ultimate price, and I'd like to thank all veterans who have served and are serving now."

"What a fitting way to end Air Force Week in Philadelphia as we honor all those who gave us freedom," General Lichte said. "It is our responsibility to pay tribute to those who served nobly so others might live and enjoy the freedom we enjoy today."

Airpower was evident as aircraft from throughout the history of the Air Force were on display for people of all ages to look at and explore. For some veterans, though, these aircraft were more than just an exhibit -- they were a step back into another time.

"I can see them coming. The closer they get [to the aircraft] the straighter they walk. The veterans become kids again," said Korean War-era veteran Bob Selden, who sees veterans at airshows and stands ready to answer questions about the B-17 Flying Fortress.

A volunteer crewmember of the B-17 "Memphis Belle," Mr. Selden of Friendship, N.Y., helps prepare the vintage World War II aircraft for display at approximately 10 airshows a year. The aircraft, featured in the Hollywood movie, "Memphis Belle," was one of hundreds of similar bombers prevalent during World War II.

It wasn't only veterans who admired the B-17. Lexi McGuirk, an 11-year-old native of Clarks Summit, Pa., came to the air expo to see what the Air Force had to offer and the "Memphis Belle" caught her attention.

"It is so cool," she said. "It has little seats and all types of guns. The cockpit looks so confusing. I really like all the big planes."

Her brother, Ari McGuirk, leaves for Air Force Basic Military Training in July and part of the reason Lexi wanted to come to the air expo was to see military planes for the first time.

"Joining the Air Force is a great way for me to start my career," said the 18-year-old, who will attend loadmaster school after completing basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas. "My dad was a part of the Air Force, and both my sisters now understand what I will become a part of. I want to see the world and serve my country. This airshow is great for my whole family to see what I will be doing."

The Air Force Week program is part of a proactive initiative to increase communication with the public. Air Force Week includes community visits and talks by Air Force officials, flight demonstration team performances and displays highlighting the Air Force men and women serving on the front lines. There will also be an Air Force Week Aug. 9 through 17 in Omaha, Neb., and from Nov. 14 through 21 in Los Angeles.