AFMC Freedom's Call Tattoo arrives Published June 22, 2011 Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs Report Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio -- After months of planning, rehearsing and setting-up, the seventh annual AFMC Freedom's Call Tattoo has arrived. Tattoo is one of Southwest Ohio's largest summer celebrations and it all kicks off at 4 p.m. when the gates open to the grounds of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. This year's theme for Tattoo is "Defending Liberty ... Home and Abroad." The event will honor the men and women who served their country during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as those who continue to serve in today's operations. There will also be a special tribute recognizing the 10th year since the Sept. 11 attacks. Musical entertainment for the evening includes a performance by local band Shadowlife, followed by the Air Force Band of Flight and finally, special musical guest Lonestar. There will also be aircraft flyovers, medal presentations, a technology exhibition and a spectacular fireworks show. In order to make your experience more enjoyable, please take note of the below information: What to bring Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Strollers, infant diaper bags, cameras and their cases, small purses and pocketbooks are permitted, but subject to inspection. Refreshments will be available for purchase from vendors. What NOT to bring Please note for security reasons that alcohol, fireworks, coolers, portable grills, backpacks, skateboards, in-line skates, glass bottles, knives and weapons of any kind, to include pepper spray, are not permitted. Pets are not permitted on the event grounds, so please leave your furry friends at home. There will be increased security measures in place to include magnetometers. Transportation and parking The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority and Wright State University have partnered with Wright-Patterson AFB to provide a free shuttle service to and from the AFMC Freedom's Call Tattoo 2011. Those interested should park at the Nutter Center in Lot #8. RTA buses will run every 10 to 15 minutes from 4 to 11 p.m. Riders may bring lawn chairs and blankets on the buses. Carry-in items such as purses and small bags will be searched before boarding. RTA provides handicap-accessible buses. Motorcyclists are encouraged to use the hard-surface parking at the Nutter Center and ride the RTA shuttle to the event. Questions Once at Tattoo, spectators who have a question or need information should seek out the Information Booth, which will be located toward the event entrance. The booth will be staffed and equipped to handle patron questions throughout the night.