Air Force Week kicks off in St. Louis

Published Aug. 7, 2006

ST. LOUIS -- The first-ever Air Force Week kicked off here Sunday during the St. Louis Cardinals - Milwaukee Brewers game at Busch Stadium with Airmen participating in the toss of the first pitch and a flyover by Missouri National Guard F-15 Eagles.

Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley and Airman 1st Class Rebecca Blascak, a 375th Airlift Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron troop who recently returned from Iraq, participated in the ceremonious toss.

Following the playing of the national anthem, two F-15 Eagles from the Missouri National Guard's 131st Fighter Wing at Lambert Field then flew over the stadium, greeted with cheers and applause from the audience.

While the Air Force involvement in Sunday's game unofficially kicked off the week, Mayor Francis Slay today signed a proclamation officially declaring it "Air Force Week" in St. Louis. Joining Slay for the brief ceremony in City Hall was Louis Lynch, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen who calls the Gateway City home; Lt. Gen. Christopher Kelly, vice commander of the Air Force's Air Mobility Command; and a number of commanders from nearby fighter, air and air refueling wings.

The purpose of Air Force week is to raise public awareness of the service's operations, capabilities, and support to the Global War on Terror; showcase its Airmen; and thank its friends in the area for their heartfelt support of its men and women.

"The activities [of Air Force Week] provide a remarkable opportunity for the Air Force to demonstrate the pride and professionalism of the greatest air and space force the world has ever known," said Air Force Chief of Staff General T. Michael Mosley. "I invite everyone in the greater St. Louis area to come out and enjoy the Air Force Week activities," he said.

Other events scheduled during the week include:
-- Appearances at the St. Louis Science Center by a NASA Astronaut and Louis Lynch, one of original Tuskegee Airmen, on Tuesday; a pilot from the IMAX movie "Fighter Pilot: Operation RED FLAG" on Wednesday; and members of the Air Force's precision flying team - the Thunderbirds - on Thursday. "Fighter Pilot" will also be shown twice daily at the center.

-- A "Salute to the Air Force" Tuesday evening at the Gateway Grizzlies' game against the Traverse City Beach Bums in Sauget, Ill., which will include a C-17 flyover. Admission to the game is free for all active duty members, retirees and their family members.

-- A flyover of downtown St. Louis, including some of its key landmarks such as the Arch and Busch Stadium, on Thursday. The flyover will include a B-2 Spirit bomber, a C-130J, a KC-135 and the Thunderbirds.

The week will be capped off Saturday and Sunday with an Open House and Air Fest at Scott AFB. In addition to the Thunderbirds, the Open House and Air Fest will include fighter and transport aircraft flybys, parachute jumps, numerous static displays, and other demonstrations. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information on Air Force Week events, visit www.afweek.af.mil.