Returning deployers to be honored at Heroes Homecoming

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Approximately 30 men and women who have returned from deployment within the last six months will be honored during Heroes Homecoming June 24 at 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Park near the clinic.

The entire base community is invited to attend this pep rally-style event to recognize personnel ranging in rank from airman 1st class to colonel who have served across the globe in a variety of roles.

Local radio talk show host Michael Graham, who also serves as Electronic Systems Center honorary commander, will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds, Electronic Systems Center commander, has declared Memorial Park as an alternate duty location for Hanscom personnel from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

Any military or civilian personnel who have returned from deployment since December 2010 and have not received their electronic invitation are asked to contact J.C. Corcoran at 781-377-6851 or email james.corcoran@hanscom.af.mil to take part in the event.
Immediately following Heroes Homecoming, the 66th Force Support Squadron will present Summer Bash.

Starting at 4 p.m. the younger participants will enjoy performances by the Alleppo clowns and unicycler and juggler Peter Panic. Callahan's Kenpo Karate will also entertain the audience.

At 5 p.m., the featured entertainment, X-BAND, will take the stage. The band, comprised of employees from Raytheon, features rhythm and blues music.

Summer Bash will also have free carnival rides and games.

Children can enjoy the tubs of fun, kiddie race cars, a kiddie ferris wheel, sky fighter jets, the Aztec ride, a merry-go-round, 55-foot extreme obstacle course and inflatable boxing ring. Those in attendance may also try to scale a rock-climbing wall or experience a gyro-orbitron.

Other games and booths include face painting, novelties, kids' books, scented gifts, glow sticks, basketball games, balloon darts, jail and bail, laser tag, a dunk tank and more.

Attendees can choose from a variety of food options, including burgers, sausages, hot dogs, soft pretzels, nachos, cotton candy, Italian ice, ice cream, root beer floats, fried dough, kettle corn, ribs, chicken, pulled pork, brisket, beans and corn on the cob.

Alongside the fun and games will be several exhibitor booths, including one run by the Safety Office. The safety booth will address the Critical Days of Summer and give tips and pertinent information for having a safe and enjoyable summer.

The event will conclude with a performance by the Band of Liberty's rock group Afterburner at 8 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at 9 p.m.

For additional information about the Heroes Homecoming event contact Sarah Olaciregui in the 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs Office at 781-377-4467.

For more information about Summer Bash or to volunteer to help during the event, contact the volunteer coordinator, Courtney Cann, at 781-377-1695.