Proclamation declares Air Force Week

Published Aug. 8, 2006
By Christi Spargur
375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay signed a proclamation Monday declaring Aug. 6 to 13 as Air Force Week in the city.

"On behalf of the people of St. Louis, I want to congratulate and thank you for your role individually and collectively for those here now and for those that served in the past for protecting our freedoms," said Mayor Slay.

Tuskegee Airman Louis Lynch; Col. Robert Leeker, commander, 131st Fighter Wing (St. Louis); Col. Pete Nezamis, commander, 126th Air Refueling Wing (Scott Air Force Base); Col. Alan Hunt Jr., commander, 375th Airlift Wing (Scott Air Force Base), and Lt. Gen. Christopher Kelly, vice commander, Air Mobility Command, witnessed the signing of the proclamation.

After reading and signing the document, Mayor Slay closed the meeting by offering military families a personal sentiment of appreciation for the sacrifices they endure.

Highlighting the significance of Air Force Week, Colonel Hunt said, "Over 600 men and women of our Armed Forces (assigned to Scott Air Force Base) are deployed around the world right now. Many in support of the Global War on Terror.

"We've been a nation at war for well over 15 years, and this is an effort we will continue," said Colonel Hunt. "It is our job as the community spokesperson to make sure our folks get the proper recognition they deserve for what they do for their country and, secondly, to keep their families and friends on our minds, to rally around them and support them," said Colonel Hunt. "The community plays a very vital role in helping us do that."

The proclamation signing was the official kickoff to a series of activities scheduled to take place in the greater St. Louis metropolitan region during the week to celebrate the United States Air Force, its people, mission, and accomplishments.

The first of these events was held Sunday at the recently re-constructed Busch Stadium in St. Louis when Airman 1st Class Rebecca Blascak, 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron, threw out the first pitch in a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Airman Blascak attended the game with Air Force General Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Commander, and Chief Master Sergeant Rodney McKinley, chief master sergeant of the Air Force. The St. Louis Cardinals won the game 7 to 1.

Text of Proclamation

Whereas on July 26, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, officially establishing the United States Air Force, and charged it with the responsibility to organize, train and equip United States Air Forces for air operations around the globe; and

Whereas, from Korea and Vietnam to the Persian Gulf, and from Somalia, Bosnia and Haiti to Afghanistan and Iraq, the United States Air Force has been a cornerstone of America's defense and served our nation by deploying Airmen around the world to perform in military action, serve as peacekeepers, and provide humanitarian assistance; and

Whereas, thanks to America's Airmen, and their core values of "Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do," freedom will continue to shine as a beacon of hope throughout the world; and

Whereas, each day, our Airmen forego comfort, face hardship, confront danger, and sometimes die in defense of our Nation. We owe them our unwavering support in their resolute effort to ensure that our values and our way of life are not destroyed; and

Whereas, I encourage all citizens to join me in showing our gratitude to all members of the United States Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve who have served and who are now serving our Country.

Now, therefore, I, Francis. G. Slay, Mayor of the City of St. Louis, do hereby proclaim August 6 through August 13, 2006, as "Air Force Week" in the city of St. Louis.