COLUMBUS, Ohio (AFPN) - Ohio officials honored the Air Force when the lieutenant governor proclaimed Sept. 24 to 30 as Air Force Heritage Week in a ceremony held Sept. 24 at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.
Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher thanked Ohio's men and women currently serving in the Air Force, and extended his appreciation to all who serve or have served in the military to protect the nation.
"Often when I attend similar events, I begin by saying what a privilege it is to be here today. But as I stand with the people who defend our country, I'm honored; and I look up to you for all you do for our country," the lieutenant governor said.
Speaking to an audience of approximately 120 Guard members and civilians, Lt. Gen. Terry L. Gabreski, the vice commander of Air Force Materiel Command, said that 2007 marks not only the 60th anniversary of the Air Force, but also the centennial of the first military contract for an aircraft, given to two Ohio natives, Orville and Wilbur Wright.
The headquarters for AFMC is at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, adjacent to Dayton, which was home to the Wright brothers. The Wright brothers did most of their experimental flying on Huffman Prairie, which is within walking distance of the AFMC headquarters building.
The purpose of Air Force Heritage Week, General Gabreski said, is to recognize the accomplishments of past and present Airmen, reinforce pride in those who serve, and generate excitement for the promising future of the Air Force.
"The citizens of Columbus, Ohio, and of this great nation, share in our Air Force's heritage," General Gabreski said. "You show your love and support in war and peace and deserve our utmost gratitude and promise that we will continue to keep you and your loved ones secure and free."
During Heritage Week, several Columbus events and demonstrations will be open to the public, including a free Air Force band concert Sept. 25, an Air National Guard flyover at a Major League Soccer game Sept. 30, and flying demonstrations of vintage and modern aircraft at the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends, a major air show at Rickenbacker International Airport just south of the city. The Air Force Demonstration Squadron's Thunderbirds will perform their show during the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends.
Of the more than 500,000 men and women who serve in the Air Force as either uniformed members or civilian employees, more than 25,000 are assigned to Ohio's Air Force installations, including Guard and Reserve bases. About 65 percent of these Airmen are assigned in the Miami Valley-Dayton area alone, home to Wright-Patterson AFB, the largest single-site employer in Ohio.
For more information about Air Force heritage, see http://www.afmc.af.mil/heritagetohorizons/index.asp.