Official Site of the U.S. Air Force   Right Corner Banner
Join the Air Force

News > Air Force Week is here! Take advantage!
 
Photos 
Opening ceremony for Air Force Week
Elements of the Air Force Band, shown here performing Aug. 24, 2010, during Air Force Week New York City, will be featured during Air Force Week Cocoa Beach in Florida, which runs from Oct. 23 through Oct. 31. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lance Cheung)
Download HiRes
 
Related Stories
 Air Force Week Cocoa Beach begins with proclamation ceremony - 10/27/2010
 
Related Biographies
 
Air Force Week is here! Take advantage!

Posted 10/22/2010 Email story   Print story

    


by 1st Lt. Karl Wiest
45th Space Wing Public Affairs


10/22/2010 - PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- Designed to honor the accomplishments and sacrifices of all American Airmen, Air Force Week kicks off Oct. 23 in Cocoa Beach, Fla.

With more than 35,000 Airmen currently deployed across the globe in support of contingency operations, the theme of this Air Force Week is Honoring Hometown Heroes. Free concerts, barbecues and numerous other events honoring Airmen will take place Oct. 23 through Oct 31.

The official kick-off of Air Force Week is at the Cocoa Beach Pier on Oct. 26 at 4:30 p.m., complete with an Air Force Academy Wings of Blue parachute demonstration, flyovers, a free comedy show by a fellow Airman. Erin C. Conaton, the undersecretary of the Air Force, will speak at the proclamation ceremony, as will numerous other dignitaries including local leaders and others from across the country.

Throughout the week, concerts from Air Force bands like Max Impact, Space-A and Tops In Blue will perform at different venues throughout Central Florida.

The band, Lansdowne, recently featured on multiple Billboard charts and largely considered one of the top unsigned bands in the country by industry resources, is headlining at the Air Show Takeoff Party Oct. 29 beginning at 6 p.m at the pier.

Space-A, the Air National Guard's southern-rock band, will open for Lansdowne. With a play list including the music of rock icons such as Van Halen and Maroon 5, Space-A is a compact group that delivers a big sound.

Disney's Magic Kingdom will honor Central Florida's Airmen Oct. 26 with designated Hometown Heroes participating in their parades and with a flyover by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The day at Disney will end with Patrick AFB's honor guard participating in a flag retreat ceremony.

Hometown Heroes will be honored at SeaWorld Oct. 27 with performances by the Airmen of Note, the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force Band, and by Patrick AFB's honor guard.

Air Force Day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will feature a static display of an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter, military working dog and explosive ordnance disposal demonstrations, an F-16 Fighting Falcon fly over and more.

Max Impact will open for Tops In Blue the evening of Oct. 28 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Max Impact brings together the musical styles of today's top artists like Destiny's Child, Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera. Original Max Impact songs also are regularly featured as the band strives to fire up Airmen with pride in service and a renewed commitment to excellence.

For more specific event times and information go to www.airforceweek.af.mil or www.facebook.com/airforceweek.



tabComments
10/26/2010 12:03:39 PM ET
The National Guard has a southern rock band
- Capt G. , Texas
 
10/26/2010 8:46:51 AM ET
As I was reading this I had the same exact thoughts talk about a waste of money unless they charged people entrance fees asked for donations etc. I know where some of the AF organizations decreased budgets are going...to pay for events like this.We can use facebook and youtube at work now I say the AF page should send friend requests to the millions of users and upload some videos of the band playing and it won't cost anything except a little time in the social media world.That way maybe I can go TDY for training or procure much need supplies.
G-Man, San Antonio
 
10/26/2010 8:16:07 AM ET
I didn't see any complaining when AF week was in Utah LA or any other big city. Most people don't realize besides the Thunderbirds band AFHG Drill Team and recruiting items, ALL OTHER ITEMS ARE FROM PATRICK. So while the other three are used solely for recruiting and promoting the AF image, the people out of Patrick deploy exercise and work just as hard as people not stationed there. Quit complaining and be proud of the work you are doing where ever you are. It seems like most people think this whole AF Week is brand new. WAKE UP It's been going on now for a couple of years in cities all over the U.S. It's about time the AF did something to promote themselves to the public. Ever heard of Fleet Week in NYC or San Diego?
WilD, patrick
 
10/26/2010 2:35:15 AM ET
Wow didn't know Maroon 5 was an icon of rock. I guess they have been around almost 10 years...
Sarge McLarge, England
 
10/25/2010 11:34:58 PM ET
The purpose of Air Force Week is to improve community relations, build stronger bonds with the American Public, and to honor the men and women serving in the world's greatest Air Force. I understand that the times are hard and that budgets have never been tighter but isn't that more of reason than ever before to take a moment and show the public a side of the Air Force that they do not get to see? I am an Airman that is proudly serving his country and my first response when I learned that this week is Air Force Week was one of great pride. Pride that comes from the opportunity to brag about the Air Force and honor my fellow Airmen. Yes times are hard and budgets are tight but that to me simply makes this year's Air Force Week that much more special because the Air Force is dedicating this much time effort and money to honor it's Airmen and show America how much pride we take in serving them and how much pride they should have in us for doing just that.
A1C Mace, Goodfellow
 
10/25/2010 7:00:55 PM ET
There's our trifecta. Highlighting our bands Disneyland and the end of DADT. Meeting our recruiting goals are a stone cold lock
MM, NE
 
10/25/2010 6:32:10 PM ET
Is this real or am I hallucinating? I'm with Tim, how can someone not stationed at Patrick AFB take advantage?
Jimmy, Some AFB US
 
10/25/2010 4:25:08 PM ET
So how am I supposed to take advantage or a better question is how are the people who are deployed that they are honoring supposed to take advantage. Why is it to much to ask to give them a cushy TDY to Patrick when they just got back from six months in stanland.
Tim, Wright-patt oh
 
10/25/2010 2:23:24 PM ET
Holy cow. The AF is obviously so poorly operated we should ask for bailout money Then we wouldn't have to fire good people to pay for idiocy like this.
J, TX
 
10/25/2010 2:00:11 PM ET
What a COMPLETE waste of taxpayer funds the USAF should be ashamed and held accountable And we really don't need to hear the people say how The Band increases morale from anyone either. I think that would just depress us more because we don't get a cushy TDY to Florida.I am very glad for them and will sleep better at night knowing that they are there to honor the accomplishments and sacrifices of all American Airmen. I am pretty sure that I speak for the majority that if they really wanted to honor American Airmen they would go on a real TDY and boost some morale playing at Cocoa Beach is a slap in the face to every hard working Airman past and present.
Irritated, MidwestCentPacific
 
10/25/2010 12:41:16 PM ET
Wow We have no money to send out personnel for required training or to purchase gear for our deployers but plenty for this.
RDM, Colorado Springs
 
10/25/2010 7:17:06 AM ET
Well that is just special. Didn't know the ENTIRE Air Force was stationed at Patrick. Place is already the Disneyland of the Air Force. Agree with Guy, another waste of money in an already tight budget climate.
MSgt Ron, Midwest
 
10/24/2010 1:11:34 PM ET
Seriously......Air Force Week in Cocoa Beach Fl.... Whatever waste of money if you ask me..
Guy, RAFL
 
Add a comment

 Inside AF.mil

ima cornerSearch

tabSubscribe AF.MIL
tabMore HeadlinesRSS feed 
Missing for 46 years, air commando laid to rest

Air mobility response team readies for 'Sandy'

As Sandy closes in, Mobility Airmen stand ready

Air Force Week in Photos

U.K. F-35 fleet increases capability at Eglin AFB

Avon Park Air Force Range receives Interior Secretary award

Former Little Rock AFB commander and spouse receive 2012 O'Malley award

Reservist sets latest mark in battle for Schriever track record

CSAF shares perspective during AETC Senior Leader Conference

Thule boilers save big in first year

Life Extension Programs modernize ICBMs

SecAF visits basic military training

Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman battles breast cancer

Remains of two Airmen lost in 1969 identified, honored

tabCommentaryRSS feed 
Teal ropes to spotlight sexual assault response  37

Air Force Academy energy research will yield global benefits


Site Map      Contact Us     Questions     Security and Privacy notice     E-publishing