Tucson’s largest deployment of military personnel since World War II will be coming home soon and the Tucson Metro Chamber Military Affairs Committee and other local groups and organizations want to throw a welcome home party.
“Tucson Thanks Our Airmen and Families BBQ” is set for noon to 4 p.m., Thursday, September 3, to thank an expected 5,000 airmen and women and their families at Davis-Monthan’s Bama Park, to enjoy an afternoon of food, live music and outdoor activities, jumping castles, corn hole tournaments and games.
Family, friends and base leaders on Thursday welcomed nearly 300 airmen back to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The homecoming involved personnel who were part of a NATO operation, Operation Atlantic Resolve. Nearly 1,200 D-M airmen have been deployed for the past six months across Europe as part of Atlantic Resolve. This marks the largest deployment in base history, according to a press release from the air base.
Those returning to D-M have been training in close-air-support missions alongside other NATO nations including Estonia, The Czech Republic, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, The United Kingdom and Lithuania. D-M forces originally left home in February and have been part of a longer, two-year training mission across Europe.
Those who flew home Thursday were members of the 355th Maintenance Group, a D-M unit responsible for the iconic A-10 aircraft that Tucson’s base is well known for.
The Military Affairs Committee is looking for volunteers and donations to help make the welcome home event successful.
“This is an amazing opportunity for Tucson to show their support for the men and women who serve our country and keep us safe,” said Welcome Home Event Organizer Ellen Jimenez, Committee Chair for the Military Affairs Committee. “We want them to know we are happy to have them home with their families.”
The Tucson Chamber Military Affairs Committee is looking for a wide range of support. That includes:
- Cash Donations
- Sodas/ Beverages
- Individually Packaged Chips
- Outdoor Cooking Grills
- Propane
- Paper products including, plates, utensils, cups, etc.
- Desserts
- Gift cards to be used as giveaways
The Viscount Suites is volunteering to be the central donation site for goods and donations to be dropped off. The hotel is located at 4855 E Broadway, 85711.
In addition, volunteers are needed for the following:
- Set up on September 2 and tear down on September 3
- Grillers/Servers/Runners
- Cleanup crew on September 3
- Games coordination and other event support assistant
If you would like to volunteer your time, or for questions, please contact Ellen Jimenez before Monday, Aug. 24 at 520-468-8209 or [email protected]