Heroes Homecoming and Summer Bash in three weeks

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Wing 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 25 at 2:30 p.m. It will be held prior to the Summer Bash celebration.

Former Red Sox player, Bob "Monty" Montgomery, who also spent 14 seasons as the color commentator for Red Sox telecasts on WSBK-TV, will be in attendance to welcome home the Airmen. 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 encourage all of you to come out and show your support for those who have recently returned home from a deployment," said Col. Charles F. Thompson, 66th Air Base Wing commander. "It's a small way you can show them and their families that you appreciate their hard work and sacrifice. Afterwards, everyone can enjoy the fun at our annual Summer Bash."

The 66th Force Support Squadron has been busy putting together a host of events and activities for this year's Summer Bash celebration which begins immediately following the homecoming ceremony.

Summer Bash entertainment will kick off at 4 p.m. with a performance by disc jockey Bob Caldeira. Mr. Caldeira has been performing during base activities for several years.

"His high energy music and fun activities will make you scream and shout," said Russell Jackson, 66th Force Support Squadron community program manager.

Other Summer Bash entertainment will include a performance by Lansdowne, a Boston-based rock, alternative pop band that has traveled throughout the world with Armed Forces Entertainment, performing for deployed troops.

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, kiddie ferris wheel, "Sky Fighter Jets," "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 activities include a dunk tank, tattoos, water balloon toss, three-legged race, miniature golf, batting arena and football game trailer. Additionally, a number of vendors will be on hand offering deals on jewelry items, glow sticks, ethnic art, baskets and more.

Summer Bash participants will also see an airplane radio club and large safety exhibit.

Attendees can choose from a variety of food options, including grilled burgers, hot dogs, sausages, ribs, chicken, pulled pork, brisket, chili, wraps, wontons, fried rice, nachos, root-beer floats, fried dough, kettle corn, cotton candy, ice cream, smoothies and more.

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 Wing Public Affairs Office at (781) 377-4467. Any military or civilian personnel who have returned from deployment since December 2009 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.

Anyone wishing to volunteer for Summer Bash should contact Judith Trabucco at (781) 377-3346. For additional information about Summer Bash contact Russell Jackson at (781) 377-8643 or go online to www.hanscomservices.com.