Philadelphia, McGuire AFB to host Air Force Week

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McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. (AFPN) --  The Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, recently selected Philadelphia as one of three locations to host "Air Force Week" in 2008.

Activities in the Philadelphia region will begin on Memorial Day, May 26, and culminate with an Air Exposition -- featuring the Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team --hosted by McGuire Air Force Base May 31 and June 1.

Air Force Weeks afford local communities the opportunity to meet, interact and build lasting relationships with active-duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard Airmen.

The Air Force hosted its inaugural Air Force Week in St. Louis in 2006 and has since held similar events in Phoenix, Sacramento, Honolulu and Atlanta. Community response to the up-close look at Air Force men and women serving on front lines was overwhelmingly positive, said Air Force officials. 

"Our 2007 Air Force Weeks were extremely successful," General Moseley said. "We want to build on these accomplishments by utilizing our Air Force Weeks as the premier platforms from which to deliver our Air Force story."

Locally, McGuire AFB was chosen to provide leadership and support for the weeklong activities and Col. Balan Ayyar, the installation and 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, is eager to showcase McGuire's Airmen, he said.

"Our varying missions and capabilities are compelling, but our Airmen -- their pride, professionalism, and 'Can Do' spirit -- are inspiring," Colonel Ayyar said.

For more information, visit www.airforceweekinphiladelphia.com or call (609) 754-8336. 

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