Red Sox legend to help welcome heroes home

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The entire base community is invited to welcome home recently deployed Hanscom troops and meet Red Sox legend Rico Petrocelli during the Hanscom Heroes Homecoming celebration on Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m. in the Aero Club Hangar.

Mr. Petrocelli, a member of the 1967 "impossible dream" Red Sox team, played his entire career for Boston from 1963 until 1976 and was selected to the American League All-Star team in 1967 and 1969. He was inducted to the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1997.

Along with Mr. Petrocelli, base leadership and Medal of Honor recipient retired Navy Capt. Tom Kelley will welcome home the troops. Michael Graham from 96.9 WTKK will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and the New England Patriot cheerleaders will be there to meet, greet and sign autographs.

"This promises to be a high-energy, pep rally-style event to honor our deployees and their families," said Col. Stacy Yike, 66th Air Base Group commander. "I encourage everyone to come out and join us."

Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds, Electronic Systems Center commander, has declared the Aero Club Hangar as an alternate duty location for Hanscom personnel from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The event, which recognizes the deployed contributions of Airmen assigned to Hanscom who have returned from the area of responsibility since the last Heroes Homecoming celebration in June, is open to everyone on base.

Because of limited parking around the Aero Club Hangar, attendees are encouraged to either walk or park in the Exchange and Commissary parking lots.

Before and after the ceremony X-Band, a rhythm and blues musical group, will entertain the audience. Amy-Jayne McCabe will open the ceremony by singing the national anthem. The 66th Force Support Squadron will provide free pizza and sandwiches following the event. Assorted beverages will be available for purchase.

All military and civilian personnel who have deployed and have not received their e-mail invitation to be part of the honoree group are asked to contact J.C. Corcoran at 781-377-6851 or via e-mail at james.corcoran@hanscom.af.mil.

For more information about the Heroes Homecoming contact Sarah Olaciregui in the 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs office at 781-377-4467. A number of volunteers are needed to help set up, tear down and assist with many other tasks. To sign up to volunteer, call Christina Turmel at 781-377-2455.