PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A common sight in Aroostook County skies for many years prior to the closure of Loring Air Force Base will make its return to northern Maine later this month.
The KC-135 military refueling tanker, an iconic aircraft that flew in and out of Loring for decades before the base closed 21 years ago this month, will be among the feature static displays at this year’s Take Flight event set for the Northern Maine Regional Airport in Presque Isle on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to board and tour the aircraft and speak with the crew.
Through the encouragement of U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King, the Maine Air National Guard’s 101st Air Refueling Wing, based in Bangor, will fly in one of their tankers for the event.
“We really wanted to do this as a tribute to former military personnel and civilians from throughout the area that served at the base over the years,” said Jason Parent, one of the event coordinators. “Many County residents fondly recall the days of open houses at Loring Air Force Base, when they’d have the opportunity to get up close to such aircraft. We are hoping to relive a little of that magic on Sept. 26.”
To help harken back to those days and honor individuals who served at Loring, a special ceremony with the KC-135 as the backdrop will take place, featuring patriotic music by the Larry Hall Band, a keynote address by Loring veteran and Loring Military Heritage Center member Ray Hildebrand, and a presentation by Lt. Col. Steve Michaud of the Maine Air National Guard. Michaud served at Loring and worked on KC-135 tankers while at the base.
The ceremony honoring former Loring military personnel and civilian workers will begin at 11:30 a.m. Sylvia Getman, president and CEO of The Aroostook Medical Center, whose father was a career military man, will open the ceremony along with Northern Maine Regional Airport Director Scott Wardwell.
Loring veterans will not be the only ones to be recognized with a ceremony. Vietnam-Era veterans throughout northern Maine will get a long-awaited welcome home during the event.
The County Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony is similar to other events planned throughout the country during the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Vietnam War, including one held in Bangor on June 14, 2016.
“The Take Flight event brings people from all over the region to the airport – a place where people are ‘welcomed home’ every day,” Getman said. “This will provide the perfect opportunity and setting for us to pay tribute to those who gave so much.”
Joining with TAMC, Northern Maine Regional Airport, Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, City of Presque Isle and County of Aroostook in hosting the Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony is the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services. Officials will be on hand at the event to present certificates and special Vietnam War 50th anniversary commemorative coins to Vietnam-era veterans who register in advance.
Vietnam veterans are encouraged to register for the event before the end of the day on Sept. 16 so a certificate can be made and coin presented. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.tamc.org/takeflight, or call (207) 768-4033 to register over the phone.
The activity for Vietnam-era veterans will begin at 12 noon with a reception inside the passenger terminal at the Northern Maine Regional Airport for registered veterans. Refreshments will be served. Just before 1 p.m., the veterans will be lined up to proceed outside onto the tarmac for the official ceremony that will also be held in the shadow of the KC-135.
The ceremony, which will begin at 1 p.m., is open to family, friends and the public. Included will be the official welcome home walk, telling of the story of a County Vietnam veteran and a Gold Star family member, tributes to veterans from each branch of the military, a moment of reflection and remembrance for those who were killed in action or who have since passed away, a keynote address from Gen. Brent Boyles and other special activities to mark the anniversary.
