Governor of Guam signs Air Force Week proclamation

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chris Powell
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Acting Governor of Guam Michael W. Cruz signed Proclamation No. 2007-081 Sept. 4 proclaiming Sept. 4-9 Air Force Week at the Governor's Complex in Adelup.

In conjunction with similar events at Air Force bases worldwide, the national commemorative period began Oct. 14, 2006, with the dedication of the Air Force memorial in Arlington, Va.

The lieutenant governor signed the proclamation in front of Brig. Gen. Douglas Owens, 36th Wing commander, dozens of Airmen from Andersen and members of the Andersen Civilian Advisory Council. 

"As a country, we're lucky to have you protecting our freedoms over the world and on Guam," the governor told the Airmen in attendance. 

Before he signed the order, Governor Cruz, a colonel in the Guam Army National Guard, recounted a story of his Army deployment to Iraq as a surgeon and how he gained even more respect for the Air Force. 

"When I first got into Iraq, I heard a loud thumping noise outside my building," he explained. "I kept listening and asking everyone what it was, and it turned out to be an AC-130 Spectre [gunship]. I felt better knowing that it was hovering around keeping us safe." 

With his personal experience in mind, it made that much easier for the lieutenant  governor to sign the proclamation announcing Guam's Air Force Week.

A portion of the proclamation reads, "I encourage all citizens to join me in showing our gratitude to all our nation's Airmen, both those who have served and those who are now serving our Country." 

After the lieutenant governor signed the proclamation, General Owens added, "[Andersen] has always enjoyed a great relationship with the community, and we're fortunate to have such a relationship." 

Air Force Week's purpose is to raise public awareness of the service's operations and capabilities, showcase its Airmen, and thank local citizens for their heartfelt support of its men and women over the Air Force's 60-year history. 

Air Force members will showcase the service in a variety of venues. Andersen Airmen will visit several of the island's schools; conduct radio, television and newspaper interviews; and host an exhibition of Air Force resources at Ypao Beach. Additionally, the Air Force Band of the Pacific flew in from Alaska to perform at a variety of locations across the island.