Hanscom to welcome home deployers

  • Published
  • By J.C. Corcoran
  • Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Hanscom AFB --   Following in the footsteps of last January's inaugural "Hanscom Heroes Homecoming," the base community is once again preparing to officially welcome home those who have returned from deployment since January. 

The welcome home ceremony will take place June 22, at 3:30 p.m. prior to the opening of "Summer Bash 2007" at Hanscom's Memorial Park, located behind the base clinic. 

"Summer Bash is a yearly family event organized and sponsored by the 66th Services Squadron," said Dave Van Steenburg, 66th Service Squadron director. 

"I can't think of a more fitting time or place to welcome home our returning personnel than at this traditional family event," he said. 

With more than 80 returned deployers expected to be recognized, Hanscom will be rolling out the red carpet in their honor. "This celebration is our way of saying thanks to not only our returning personnel, but to their families as well," said Col. Tom Schluckebier, 66th Air Base Wing commander.

 "Our men and women in uniform and the families that support them, sacrifice a lot when they are called upon to support our country's efforts in the Global War on Terror. 

"This welcome home celebration is just a small way that we, as a community, can say 'thank you' for a job well done. 

"I hope everyone here at Hanscom will be at the park to formally welcome home our personnel. They've earned it." Colonel Schluckebier said. 

Michael Graham, radio talk show host on WTKK 96.9 FM radio, will once again act as the Master of Ceremonies for the homecoming event. 

With all the pomp and ceremony befitting a "heroes" welcome, the returning deployers will be escorted to the event by members of the Patriot Guard Riders who, as their mission statement says have, "an unwavering respect for those who risk their lives for American's freedom and security," participated in the first event last January. 

Invitations for the Heroes' Homecoming ceremony will soon be mailed to Hanscom personnel who have returned or will be returning from a deployment prior to June 22. 

Following the welcome home ceremonies, Summer Bash 2007 will officially open with free amusement rides for the kids and lots of food and fun for the whole family. In addition to the great sounds of the Air Force Band of Liberty's Afterburner as well as the Liberty Big Band, the day will feature demonstrations by Callahan's Kenpo Karate and, a first Hanscom appearance by John and Rebecca Higby. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Higby have appeared on national television performing a variety of yo-yo tricks that range from the very basic to the amazing with yo-yo's attached to bouncing balls and some with 10-foot strings.

 "This year's Summer Bash is made a bit more special with the addition of our welcome home salute," Colonel Schluckebier said. "At the same time, it is a great opportunity for us to come together as a community and take a few hours to relax and unwind, particularly after all the hard work everyone has done in preparing for the ORI," he said. 

The day-long celebration and unofficial beginning of summer party will be capped off with a spectacular fireworks display at approximately 9:30 p.m. Families are invited to arrive at 3 p.m. to await the deployers' arrival. Summer Bash will officially open at 4 p.m. 

Plans call for the Child Development Center to close early, and the road leading in to the CDC will be closed to incoming traffic beginning around 2:30 p.m. 

Blankets and lawn chairs are recommended and parents should not forget the bug spray and sunscreen for the kids. Volunteers are needed to help make this event the best yet. 

If interested in lending a helping hand, contact Master Sgt. Barry Hughes at (781) 377-1718. For questions or additional information about the Heroes Homecoming ceremony contact Rhonda Siciliano at (781) 377-4467 or J.C. Corcoran at (781) 377-6851.