Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher expresses his admiration for men and women in uniform during a ceremony Monday at Rickenbacker International Airport, Columbus, Ohio, during which he issued a state proclamation designating Sept. 24-30 as Air Force Heritage Week. Seated far left, Lt. Gen. Terry Gabreski, vice commander of Air Force Materiel Command, spoke during the ceremony about the relevance of Air Force heritage to today’s Airmen in serving their fellow citizens. To her left is Maj. Gen. Harry "A.J." W. Feucht, Jr. , assistant adjutant general for Air serving as commander, Ohio Air National Guard. Air Force Heritage Week is held in conjunction with the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends this weekend at Rickenbacker International Airport in recognition of the Air Force's 60th anniversary. (Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Douglas Nicodemus)

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Lieutenant governor, Columbus mayor applaud Air Force heritage

Published Sept. 26, 2007
AFMC News Service

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio officials honored the Air Force Monday when the lieutenant governor proclaimed Sept. 24 to 30 as "Air Force Heritage Week" in a ceremony at Rickenbacker Regional Airport.

Speaking to an audience of about 120 Guard members and civilians, Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher thanked Ohio's men and women currently serving in the Air Force, and extended his appreciation to all who serve or have served in the military to protect the nation.

The vice commander of Air Force Materiel Command, Lt. Gen. Terry L. Gabreski, added that the purpose of Air Force Heritage Week is to recognize the accomplishments of past and present Airmen, reinforce pride in those who serve, and generate excitement for the promising future of the Air Force. The headquarters for AFMC is at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton, Ohio.

"The citizens of Columbus, Ohio, and of this great nation, share in our Air Force's heritage," General Gabreski said. "You show your love and support in war and peace and deserve our utmost gratitude and promise that we will continue to keep you and your loved ones secure and free."

During Heritage Week, Ohio citizens joined in celebrating 60 years of Air Force history. Among Air Force, state and Columbus officials, Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman joined Lt. Gen. John L. Hudson, commander of Aeronautical Systems Center, in speaking about Air Force heritage to nearly four thousand people who attended a free Air Force Band of Flight concert Tuesday night.

In addition, an Air National Guard flyover is scheduled for a Major League Soccer game Sunday, as well as flying demonstrations of vintage and modern aircraft at the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends, a major air show which continues at Rickenbacker International Airport through Sunday. The Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, also will perform during the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends.

Of the more than 500,000 men and women who serve in the Air Force as either uniformed members or civilian employees, more than 25,000 are assigned to Ohio's Air Force installations, including Guard and Reserve bases. About 65 percent of these employees are assigned in the Miami Valley-Dayton area alone, home to Wright-Patterson AFB, the largest single-site employer in Ohio.

For more information on the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends: http://www.gml2007.com/

For more information on Heritage Week: http://www.afmc.af.mil/heritagetohorizons/index.asp

For more information on the Air Force 60th anniversary: http://www.af.mil/library/usaf60.asp