Officials plan events for Air Force Week in Philadelphia

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MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. (AFPN) --  Air Force officials will spread "brotherly love" as airpower will be displayed for Air Force Week in Philadelphia May 26 through June 2.

Activities in the Philadelphia metro region will begin on Memorial Day and culminate with an Air Exposition featuring the Air Force Demonstrations Squadron, the Thunderbirds, at McGuire Air Force Base May 31 and June 1.

Air Force weeks give local communities the chance to meet and interact with today's Airmen.

Events for the week starts with Philly Cares May 22 at the Friends Community Garden as McGuire AFB Airmen will join Greater Philadelphia Cares to plant vegetables at the Friends Community Garden. At the Bridesburg Memorial Day Parade, Airmen will march through the borough as the community will see the Air Force Heritage of America Band, an explosive ordnance disposal demonstration, a security forces military working dog demonstration, a contingency response wing expeditionary display, and a parade of uniforms booth.

Airmen will then be recognized at Air Force Day at the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball game May 26. Pregame festivities will feature a fly-by from the Air Force, a presentation of the Air Force Combat Action Medals, an enlistment ceremony and Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, the commander of Air Mobility Command, will throw out the first pitch.

From May 26 through 30, Air Force displays that highlight the capabilities of the Air Force and the Air Force's rich history will be on display at The Franklin Institute. The Philadelphia Zoo will feature various Air Force displays including a Bird Air Strike Hazard Falconer and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal robot May 27. 

General Lichte will lead the Air Force Celebration at Independence Hall May 27. Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, the commander of U.S. Transportation Command, will lead a discussion with other Air Force senior leaders on issues facing today's Air Force at the Leadership Forum May 27 at the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Center. 

Two-time Academy Award winner Terry Sanders and director of "Fighting for Life" will present his documentary film and commentary May 28 at the University of the Arts. The film tells the story of doctors and nurses fighting on the frontlines in the battle for life. It interweaves three stories: Military doctors, nurses and medics; wounded Soldiers and Marines; and students at USU, the military's medical school who are in the process of becoming career military physicians.

Lt. Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., the Strategic Plans and Programs deputy chief of staff for the Air Force, will discuss and present "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag" shown May 28 at The Franklin Institute. The IMAX film showcases Air Force operational capabilities in a combat training environment. Lt. Gen. Christopher A. Kelly, the AMC vice commander. and others will speak on the Air Force's global presence, current and historical operations May 29 at the Liberty Museum. The event will also include a film on the Berlin Airlift.

Barnes & Noble bookstore and local military authors will join together to celebrate Air Force Week in Philadelphia with a book signing May 30 at the store in Hamilton, N.J. 

McGuire AFB, the Thomas B. McGuire Foundation, and the New Jersey State Police will host a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the sacrifice of veterans and fallen brothers in arms May 31 at McGuire AFB. The ceremony will take place in front of the historic B-17 Flying Fortress and C-47 Skytrain static aircraft displays on McGuire's flightline. Other activities include: music by the New Jersey State Police Pipes and Drums of the Blue and Gold, Memorial Day tributes by two students from the North Hanover Townships School District and a 21-gun salute. A fly-over by McGuire AFB's KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-10 Extender will culminate the ceremony.

And McGuire AFB officials will open their gates for the 2008 McGuire Air Expo to showcase Airmen and the aircraft flown by the Air Force May 31 and June 1.  

"We are extremely proud to partner with our neighbors to host events throughout the Philadelphia metro region," said Lt. Col. Christopher Hauth, Air Force Week in Philadelphia director. "Citizens attending activities throughout the week will see the significant contributions, assets and talents of our total force Airmen."

For more information and a complete list of activities scheduled for Air Force Week in Philadelphia, visit www.airforceweekinphiladelphia.com or call 609-754-8336. 

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