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Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command, enlists 170 new recruits into the U.S. Air Force during pre-game activities at the Philadelphia Phillies - Colorado Rockies game May 26. Activities at the game were held in conjunction with Air Force Week-Philadelphia. The week is designed to broaden awareness of the U.S. Air Force's role in the war on terrorism and strengthen support for Airmen serving worldwide in defense of freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)

Phillies hit home run with Air Force Week

  • Published
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  The Philadelphia Phillies and McGuire Air Force Base celebrated Air Force Week in Philadelphia during the team's winning home game Monday against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park. 

During the celebration, which included a color guard demonstration by Air Force Airmen and a flyover of the stadium after the singing of the national anthem, Gen. Arthur Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander, administered the oath of enlistment to some of the Air Force's newest recruits. The 'Blue Aces' band also performed a free concert just outside the venue, and there were a number of displays, including the Air Force NASCAR vehicle. 

"I've wanted to be a cop for so long," said 18 year-old Sean Baldwin of Landisville, Penn., who was sworn in by General Lichte at the game and will officially join the service Aug. 12 to be a security forces specialist. "My dad was in the Air Force and he said it's the best thing I could do. I'm excited to enlist." 

The festivities at the game were part of Air Force Week, which continues through June 2 and will provide communities in the Philadelphia metro region an opportunity to see the significant contributions, assets and talents of the U.S. Air Force and its Airmen. The week-long event will culminate with the 2008 McGuire Air Expo, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team, May 31 and June 1. 

"Team McGuire exemplifies the Air Force's commitment to mission excellence," said Lt. Col. Andrew Stark, Air Force Week event planner. "We hope that the community benefits from this chance to experience our culture and will join us in celebrating the service, sacrifice and accomplishments of our Air Force and Airmen." 

For more information, visit www.airforceweekinphiladelphia.com.