Air Force Week Sacramento: Creating a positive image

  • Published
  • By Col. John Lipinski
  • 615th Contingency Response Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) --  Beginning with the Mud Run at Hagan Park on Sept. 5 and culminating with the California Capital Air Show at Mather Airport on Sept. 12 and 13, thousands of citizens in the greater Sacramento area will get an opportunity to learn more about THEIR Air Force.

Air Force Week serves as a premier platform to raise awareness of Air Force operations and contributions to the joint expeditionary fight, and the venues also provide our Airmen a chance to thank their communities for their unwavering support.

Members of the metropolitan community will get an up-close look at our missions, capabilities and the outstanding Airmen who make our Air Force the best fighting force in the world today. For many, this will be the first time they get a glimpse at their Air Force and learn first-hand the contributions and sacrifices of our warrior Airmen.

Air Force Week gives us a special opportunity to share the rich heritage and traditions of our force and introduce the community to our brave men and women in uniform. It allows communities to experience their Air Force by interacting with our professional and dedicated force.

Many planned events including concerts, air shows and special engagements will serve as ideal venues for our Airmen to tell their stories to the general public. From over the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq to on-going humanitarian efforts around the globe, each Airman has a unique story to share. You will be amazed to learn that the average citizen considers even our most common everyday accomplishments as extraordinary feats. Be proud when you share your experiences.

Thousands of Air Force reservists, Air Guardsmen, Air Force active duty and civilian, Air Force retirees and our families call northern California home. Our Air Force footprint is well entrenched throughout the region.

As our Airmen head off into harm's way, they often take with them the comfort that their communities will be here to support their love ones while they serve miles from home. The support our Airmen receive from the people of the local communities is second to none, so don't be shy about expressing your appreciation for their support.

This is time to forge new relationships with local civic leaders and community members and build upon the already strong bonds our teams at Beale Air Force Base and Travis AFB share with the greater Sacramento and Bay areas. It is a week of celebration and reflection.

Air Force Week Sacramento highlights our global vigilance, reach and power. It serves as constant reminder that our Air Force is the best in the world, because whether at home or abroad, our Airmen are all in!