Mayor to Proclaim Philadelphia Support for U.S. Air Force with Proclamation and Keys Exchange Published May 20, 2008 By 080520 MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter will officially proclaim May 26 - June 2, 2008 as Air Force Week in Philadelphia during a brief ceremony May 21 at 11:30 a.m. in the Mayor's Reception Room at City Hall during which 'Keys to the City' and 'Keys to the C-17' will also be exchanged. 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 will present honorary 'Keys to the City' to Col. Balan Ayyar, 305 Air Mobility Wing commander, who will accept the proclamation and 'Keys' on behalf of the Air Force, Air Mobility Command and nearby McGuire Air Force Base, and present the Mayor with a set of honorary 'Keys to the C-17 Globemaster III.' "This event exemplifies the partnerships the Air Force and Airmen have with the people of the Philadelphia metro region," said Maj. Karen Cosgrove, Air Force Week event coordinator. "Meanwhile, the week gives us an opportunity to demonstrate today's Air Force and, most importantly, our dedication to mission excellence." 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. -30- Note: For media availabilities and/or interviews, please contact the 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office at (609) 754-2104. Looking for media credentials for the 2008 McGuire Air Expo? Information available at www.mcguire.af.mil/media/index.asp.