Friends with Philly: Mayor, commander exchange keys, proclaim Air Force Week in Philadelphia

Published May 21, 2008
By 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office

McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Col. Balan Ayyar, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, exchanged "Keys to the City" and "Keys to the C-17" during the proclamation signing of Air Force Week in Philadelphia in City Hall May 21.

The proclamation is a symbol on behalf of the people of Philadelphia to honor the sacrifices and professionalism of U.S. Airmen as they strive to win today's fight and prepare for tomorrow's challenges. As a sign of partnership, Mayor Nutter presented honorary "Keys to the City" to Colonel Ayyar who accepted the proclamation and "Keys" on behalf of the Air Force, Air Mobility Command and McGuire, and presented the Mayor with a set of honorary "Keys to the C-17 Globemaster III."

"Leaders from across the region will celebrate Air Force capabilities alongside our partners in Philadelphia with a mutual focus and commitment to the environment and education," Colonel Ayyar said. "It really is America's city."

"I ... urge all citizens to use this occasion to recognize the courageous men and women of the United States Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Reserve in protecting the freedoms we enjoy each day," Mayor Nutter said from the proclamation signed May 21.

Air Force Week in Philadelphia provides communities in the Philadelphia metro region with 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.

For more information, visit www.airforceweekinphiladelphia.com or call (609) 754-8336. To sign up for Air Force Week events, visit www.airforceweekRSVP.com.