Area events to celebrate USAF 60th Anniversary Published Aug. 16, 2007 By J.C. Corcoran 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HANSCOM AFB, Mass. -- President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act on July 26, 1947 -- effectively establishing the Air Force as a separate military service. Just 54 days later on Sept. 18, the provisions of the act took effect, and the dreams of early aviation pioneers became a reality. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Air Force as an independent service. Many events are scheduled in the upcoming weeks to honor this milestone. Wings of Hope Air Show Pease Air National Guard Base, Portsmouth N.H., will hold the Air Force Week New England Wings of Hope Air Show 2007 Aug. 18 and 19. The show will showcase U.S. Air Force air power, including a public display of nearly the entire Air Force inventory and flying demonstrations. Civilian aviation acts will also perform. Six locations throughout the nation were chosen to host Air Force Week; Pease ANGB was selected to co-host Air Force Week New England with Otis ANGB. The week will begin Saturday and will run through Aug. 26. The Air Force Week New England -- Wings of Hope Air Show 2007 is a civilian-military partnership between the New Hampshire Wings of Hope Foundation, which is led by the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Air National Guard. Admission is free and open to the public. Onsite parking costs $20. Parking gates open at 7 a.m.; pedestrian gates open at 9 a.m. For more information, visit www.peaseairshow.com. Cape Cod Air Show, Open House The Otis ANGB Massachusetts Military Reservation will be the site of the Cape Cod Air Show and Open House on Aug. 25 and 26. The show will feature performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as well as other aerial acts. The show will culminate Air Force Week New England. The event will be held rain or shine. Admission is free and open to the public. A parking donation of $10 is requested. Gates open at 8 a.m. on both days. For more information, visit www.capecodairshow2007.org. Air Force 60th Anniversary Ball The Hanscom community will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Air Force with a gala event Sept. 14 at the Aero Club Hangar. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a social hour and static displays; dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Highlights during the evening will include remarks by Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff of Personnel Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, a video presentation on the history of aviation and a tribute to retired Chief Master Sgt. Esther MacKay, who at 102 is the oldest chief master sergeant. Music will be provided by the Air Force Band of Liberty. Guests will be treated to a special appearance by renowned recording artist Maureen McGovern. Military personnel should wear Mess Dress uniforms; civilians should wear semiformal attire. Tickets, which are limited to 500, are on sale now. "I would encourage anyone interested in attending what promises to be a great night to get their tickets early from their respective unit representatives," said Maj. Monique Thomas, 66th Services Squadron deputy and project officer for the Air Force 60th Anniversary Ball. In an effort to ensure maximum participation, ticket prices are prorated: Active duty and retired E-4 to E-6, GS-1 to GS-6, NAF 1 and 2, YA-1, YB-1, YC-1 and YP-1: $10 per person. Company grade officers, E-7 through E-9, GS-7 to GS-9; NAF 3; YA-2, YB-2 and 3; YC-2: $25 per person. Field grade officers; contractors; GS-10 and above; NAF 4 and above; and YA-3 and YC-3: $30 per person. Industry and all others: $35 per person. To purchase tickets, call the appropriate unit representative: ESC: Capt. Aaron Lake, (781) 377-4077 66 ABW: Denise Beaudry, (781) 377-1000 350 ELSW: Bryant Chisholm, (781) 677-9303 551 ELSW: Capt. Paul Choi, (781) 377-5249 554 ELSW: 2nd Lt. Casey Pellizzari, (781) 377-8501 653 ELSW: Staff Sgt. Patrick Raass, (781) 377-3498 AFRL: 2nd Lt. Wayne Henry, (781) 377-3696 Tenant units: Maj. Monique Thomas, (781) 377-3902 Heritage to Horizons Concert The Air Force Band of Liberty Concert Band will perform the Heritage to Horizons Concert Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. in Massachusetts Institute of Technology Kresge Auditorium in Cambridge, Mass. The free musical event will celebrate the Air Force's 60th Anniversary and will be open to the public. Renowned performer Maureen McGovern will be the featured guest artist. For more information about the Band of Liberty, visit www.usafbandofliberty.com. Other upcoming events: For more information about Hanscom and Air Force 60th Anniversary events, visit the base 60th Anniversary Web site, which is accessible from the Electronic Systems Center CenterNet under the Community tab, and www.af.mil/library/usaf60.asp.