Hanscom to welcome home deployers next month

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – A Hanscom Heroes Homecoming celebration will take place here next month to welcome back all base personnel who have returned home from deployment since last July.

The July 19 event will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a private ceremony at the base conference center for the honorees, their families and invited guests.

"This annual celebration is a way of saying thanks to not only our returning military and civilian members who deployed, but to their families as well," said Col. Roman Hund, installation commander. "Their service and sacrifice is critically important to the Air Force successfully accomplishing its mission.”

Organizers are seeking members of Team Hanscom who have deployed during the past year for inclusion in this year’s event.

“If you live and work at Hanscom Air Force Base, and have deployed over the past year, and you have not been in touch with me, please contact me as soon as possible,” said Bobby Jacques, Hanscom Executive Services chief, who is organizing the event.

The welcome home festivities will continue with a parade following the private ceremony at the conference center and ending at the base chapel. The anticipated start time for the parade is 11:30 a.m. All Hanscom personnel are encouraged to line the parade route to cheer on each individual and their families as a way to honor them.

In addition to the honorees and their families, approximately 40 on- and off-base groups will participate in this year’s parade. Many will bring unique vehicles with them, including vintage military vehicles and amphibious Boston Duck boats.

“No matter where you deployed, if you were not home at night with your family and friends, we want to recognize you for your service,” Jacques said. “It doesn’t matter if you are a military member or a civilian, if you deployed, we want to highlight your sacrifice during this event.”

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Tom Kelly, a 1971 Medal of Honor recipient for actions in Vietnam, is scheduled to attend the private ceremony at the conference center to assist in welcoming home personnel.

For additional information about Heroes Homecoming, contact Jacques at 781-225-1333.