McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. - On Tuesday, June 4, 2002, members of the media are invited to cover the return of approximately 30 New Jersey Air National Guard citizen-airmen from Oman in Southwest Asia. These “Guardians of Freedom” represent one planeload of the more than 200 who were deployed in early December to provide air refueling in the war on terrorism. 

Media who wish to cover the event are asked to call the 108th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office at 609-754-4173 to arrange access to the base. Media must report to Fort Dix Checkpoint #1 no later than 12:00 noon. A public affairs representative will escort them onto McGuire. Each media outlet must provide name of organization and representative’s name. Emailing this information is encouraged: denise.waggoner@njmcgu.ang.af.mil.

This media opportunity will consist of:

• 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., reception, with refreshments, at Family Readiness Center for families, legislators, distinguished visitors, guests, and media. (Bldg. 3327) 
• 11:30 a.m. (approx.), KC-135E lands.
• 11:45 a.m., legislators, distinguished visitors, and media greet military members as they step off the plane.
• 12:00 noon, legislators, distinguished visitors, media, and troops return to Family Readiness Center.
• 12:10 p.m., military members reunited with families. Welcoming remarks by legislators/distinguished visitors.
• 12:30 p.m., event concludes.

Since the Sept. 11 attacks on America, the 108th Air Refueling Wing, based at McGuire Air Force Base, Burlington County, N.J has mobilized more than 600 of its 1,400 citizen-airmen to support Operations Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. Providing air refueling support and strategic airlift, the 108th ARW has 20 KC-135E Stratotankers, making it one of only three “super tanker wings” in the Air National Guard.