Hanscom Heroes to be welcomed home Dec. 5

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  The next Heroes' Homecoming celebration will be held Dec. 5 to honor Hanscom personnel who have returned from deployments during the past six months as well as their family members.

The event will be held in the Aero Club Hangar and will begin at noon; the entire base community is welcome to attend and enjoy a free lunch that will be served immediately after the ceremony. In addition, the event will include participation by members of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders, a visit from Santa Claus and craft stations for children to create cards and messages that will be sent to deployed personnel.

"We'd like to see as many people as possible come out to support these very deserving individuals," said Col. Tom Schluckebier, 66th Air Base Wing commander.

"I'd also like to extend a special invitation to the families who will have loved ones deployed over the holidays," Colonel Schluckebier said. "Having a loved one deployed is difficult at any time, but it can be especially challenging over the holidays. We want our family members to know that they are not alone; we appreciate their sacrifice in keeping things going here at home."

Invitations have been mailed out to each of the deployed heroes who will be honored at the ceremony. "To leave your family and country for months at a time and go where your life may be at risk requires courage and sacrifice. This event is an opportunity for everyone to show our appreciation for their service and celebrate their safe return," Colonel Schluckebier said.

For additional information about the event or to sign up as a volunteer contact Rhonda Siciliano in the 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office at (781) 377-4467. Any Hanscom personnel who have been deployed over the past six months and have not received an invitation are asked to call (781) 377-4467.

The Public Affairs Office is seeking photos of recent (within the past year) and current deployers. Please e-mail high-resolution photographs to 1st Lt. Lisa Spilinek at lisa.spilinek@hanscom.af.mil.