Wright-Patt to host Community Reception Open House Published May 5, 2023 By Vince Little 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Community Reception Open House 2023. Displays, demonstrations and tributes will highlight Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s Community Reception Open House on May 19. And there’ll be plenty of food, too. (U.S. Air Force graphic by David Clingerman) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Displays, demonstrations and tributes will highlight Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s Community Reception Open House on May 19. And there’ll be plenty of food, too. The 88th Air Base Wing event is set for 4:30 p.m. until dark around the Wright-Patt Club and areas along Skeel Avenue between Prairie Trace Golf Course and the Tennis Club. It’s open to all base personnel and family members, while invitations will be sent to WPAFB’s honorary commanders, local community and business leaders, and elected officials. “We are working hard to create opportunities to connect to our communities,” said Col. Christopher Meeker, 88 ABW and installation commander. “It will allow us to provide our guests an opportunity to go behind the gate and see firsthand how we accomplish and execute the base mission.” Meeker said this the first of several planned events in coming months. At 5 p.m., Meeker is scheduled to deliver opening remarks and Xenia Mayor Sarah Mays will sing the national anthem. Throughout the open house, visitors can meet military first responders and catch static displays featuring emergency vehicles and other hardware. Airmen from the 788th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight will also demonstrate use of bomb suits and special equipment. Also on tap: Police Week and first responder recognition (5:10 p.m.), Wing’s Bar & Grille ribbon-cutting ceremony (5:20) and community reception in the Wing’s courtyard (5:35) – where the Air Force Band of Flight is set to perform. Community Reception Open House 2023 map. Displays, demonstrations and tributes will highlight Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s Community Reception Open House on May 19. And there’ll be plenty of food, too. (U.S. Air Force graphic by David Clingerman) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Food items will be available for purchase from Wing’s Bar & Grille. WPAFB officials said Gate 15A will be open for off-base attendees, with adjusted hours planned. Expanded parking is available across Skeel Avenue from Prairie Trace Golf Course, but portions of the road will be closed or blocked off starting at 2:30 p.m. May 19. Golf and tennis patrons are advised to park at the Wright-Patt Club. The Tennis Club and golf course are set to remain open normal operating hours during the Community Reception Open House. This will mark the first of many reception events at WPAFB in 2023, organizers said.