Heroes Homecoming and Summer Bash in three weeks Published June 2, 2011 By Sarah Olaciregui 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- A chance for the Hanscom community to say thanks to all those who have returned home from a deployment in the past six months is coming up. Heroes Homecoming is set to take place in Memorial Park, near the clinic, on June 24 at 2:30 p.m. It will be held prior to the Summer Bash celebration. Local radio talk show host Michael Graham, who also serves as Electronic Systems Center honorary commander, will again serve as the master of ceremonies. "I hope to see all of you out at Memorial Park to show your support for those who have recently returned home from a deployment," said Col. Stacy L. Yike, 66th Air Base Group commander. "We all need to show them and their families we're proud of their hard work and sacrifice. And, the force support squadron has a great Summer Bash lined up for us all to enjoy afterwards." The 66th Force Support Squadron has been busy putting together a variety of events and activities for this year's Summer Bash celebration, which begins immediately following the homecoming ceremony. 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. "Attendees will be treated to the rhythm and blues sound of X-BAND, a group of musicians composed of Raytheon employees. Later, we will see an always great performance from Afterburner," said Russell Jackson, 66th Force Support Squadron community program manager. "And kids will be sure to love Peter Panic, karate and the clowns." This year's event will also include free carnival rides as well as a number of 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. 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. "This year's lineup promises to be fun and entertaining," Mr. Jackson said. "It's an event you don't want to miss." For additional information about the Heroes Homecoming event contact Sarah Olaciregui in the 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs Office at 781-377-4467. 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 e-mail james.corcoran@hanscom.af.mil. For more information about Summer Bash or to volunteer to help during the event, contact the volunteer coordinator, Courtney Cann, at 781-377-1695.