A show of Force

Image courtesy: Staff Sgt. Josh Clendenen

If you are visiting New York for a late summer vacation or live in the Big Apple, you've likely run into someone serving with the United States Air Force over the last few days. It's Air Force Week in the tri-state area, and from midtown Manhattan to Staten Island, all the way down to Atlantic City, large and small events are increasing awareness about the fine work our nation's airmen are doing at home and abroad.

Thursday in Times Square, Staff Sgt. Bryan Rivera and Staff Sgt. Kathleen Pena were busy passing out leaflets and patriotic stickers to thousands of pedestrians. At Citi Field in Flushing, 28,640 fans were treated to a flyover and Air National Guard Band performance before the New York Mets squared off against the Florida Marlins. In The Bronx, airmen and cadets helped clean up Memorial Grove in Van Cortlandt Park, which honors local heroes from World War II and the Korean War. Considering that our nation's current conflict erupted because of unprovoked terrorist attacks that killed thousands of innocent people and destroyed two Manhattan landmarks, it seems particularly appropriate for the Air Force to be flexing its muscles and also showing compassion in the region.

"Air Force Week is creating awareness in different communities and different boroughs," Staff Sgt. Rivera said. "People who've never had any knowledge about the Air Force are getting the opportunity to see what we are about and ask questions. This helps us get out the message about what the Air Force does for the country. It's definitely allowing us to get more and more people to come into the office and find out about how they can be a part of the world's greatest Air Force."

There are more festivities planned over the weekend, including events with the minor league Yankees affiliate on Staten Island, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey on Coney Island, and the New York Red Bulls in Harrison, New Jersey. For a full schedule of events and information about how to attend, please visit the official Air Force Week website.

One of the most important events of Air Force Week happened Thursday in Times Square. About five miles from Ground Zero, several Air Force recruits raised their right hands and swore an oath to defend America in Times Square. As they went about their days, the New Yorkers and tourists walking by received a critical, real-life reminder. National security is not a buzz phrase, it's ordinary people volunteering to do something extraordinary on behalf of their fellow citizens. As men and women of the Air Force continue making sacrifices in Iraq and Afghanistan, we thank them for taking the time to give us a closer look.

Image courtesy: Tech Sgt. Bennie Davis III