Airmen trace roots of independence during Air Force Week in Philadelphia

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Ben Gonzales
  • Air Force News Agency
PHILADELPHIA (AFPN) --  Airpower roared over the birthplace of American independence as Airmen on the ground and in the air showed local citizens what the Air Force is all about May 27 during festivities supporting Air Force Week in Philadelphia.

Throughout the Independence National Historical Park here, Airmen talked with community leaders and visitors to the park as men and women in blue learned all about American history where the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation and the Constitution of the United States were written.

It may have been an overcast day, but airpower shined throughout the Independence Hall region as a flyby of four A-10 Thunderbolt IIs soared overhead as members of the Air Force Heritage of America Band from Langley Air Force Base, Va., played patriotic music in the park.

Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, the commander of Air Mobility Command, then addressed local business leaders and Airmen from throughout the region during a luncheon.

"We are here to remember what we do as an Air Force and also to tell the people of Philadelphia -- who are absolutely fantastic supports of the Air Force -- about what we do," General Lichte said. "After 220 years since our forefathers ratified the Constitution, just a few yards from where we are right now, it is critical that we, as Airmen, take the opportunity to share what we do with the American people.

"Today, there are some 35,000 Airmen deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan fighting and saving lives every day," the general said. He leads the men and women of AMC -- active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilians -- who provide airlift, aerial refueling, special air mission and aeromedical evacuation for all of America's armed forces. "We will continue to do that until the long war is over. Also, we have to take care of our people and we do that because we never ever want to send our people out in harm's way without the proper training. I have no fear about the Airmen we have serving in Air Mobility Command because of the great things that you do for the (war on terrorism)."

"Listening to General Lichte made me realize how important my job is to our nation," said Staff Sgt. Nefertiti Joseph, a military personnel element member from McGuire AFB, N.J. "I do exactly what he was talking about and I make sure Airmen are trained, qualified and ready to go to war. His words put everything into perspective."

Along with numerous Airmen from McGuire AFB, Sergeant Joseph first heard words of advice from General Lichte and then was on hand to talk to visitors of the park about the Air Force.

"It is great talking to the people who really don't know much about what we do, and they are so appreciative of what I do and what every Airman does," Sergeant Joseph said. "It makes me proud to be thanked by all of them in a forum like this."

Also available to talk to hundreds of park visitors were McGuire AFB security forces dog handlers with their K-9s. Members of the 621st Contingency Response Wing from McGuire AFB showed how today's Airmen deploy to a new area, and explosive ordnance disposal Airmen from Dover AFB, Del., demonstrated how today's warfighters handle bombs.

Drawing the most raised eyebrows during the day was a parade of  Airmen dressed up in past Air Force work and duty uniforms catching the eyes of many Philadelphians. From brown dress uniforms and orange flight suits to today's airman battle uniform, Airmen displayed the Air Force's heritage and had to explain the uniforms and what Air Force Week in Philadelphia is all about to park guests throughout the day.

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.

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