Reserve makes Air Force Week appearances

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Patrick Wood
  • Air Force Reserve recruiting
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Luke Air Force Base and the Valley of the Sun served as host to Air Force Week, March 19 through 25. 

To kick off the week-long event and show support for the Air Force, Arizona
Governor Janet Napolitano read a proclamation officially recognizing Air Force Week in Phoenix at the state capitol on March 19. 

"Today's proclamation by the governor showed just how valuable the contributions
of the men and women of our Air Force are here, not just for the men and women of Arizona, but truly all American citizens," said Brig. Gen. Noel T. "Tom" Jones, the commander of the 56th Fighter Wing. The ceremony not only symbolizes support from the state of Arizona, but the United States as a whole, the general said. 

Air Force Week is designed to increase public awareness of the Air Force's mission,
capabilities and the professionalism of its Airmen all while celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Air Force. It is also an opportunity for the base to go out into the community as an outreach and recruiting tool, unlike an open house where the community comes to the base. 

The Air Force Band of the West from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, played for the crowd while various demonstration teams, including explosive ordnance disposal specialists, showed off the tools of their trade. 

The collective effort of "Team Luke" resulted in more than 100 events and the recruiting team participated in 15 different venues during the week. The team manned recruiting booths at multiple festivals; professional hockey and baseball games, science day at the Arizona Science Center, a medical symposium at Midwestern University with Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. James Roudebush, and numerous school visits around the Valley. 

Thinking outside the box resulted in having astronaut and Air Force Lt. Col. Terry Virts on hand to sign autographs and speak about the Air Force. Also, pararescue men from the 306th Rescue Squadron at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., repelled down from the roof during a hockey game and demonstrated their special forces skills while the Air Force Academy "Wings of Blue" also parachuted in at numerous events during the week, and reserve recruiters were on hand to field questions and generate interest in both the Air Force and Air Force Reserve.
 
"Overall Air Force week was a huge success, both community relations and team involvement on the base were improved and the Air Force Reserve shined as result," said Staff Sgt. Susan Stout, 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs specialist and Air Force Week events coordinator. "Had it not been for the 944th Fighter Wing members who assisted the planning committee throughout the week, Air Force Week would not have been the same. Thanks to all those who volunteered."