On Saturday, May 3, 2003, members of the media are invited to cover the departure of approximately 45 New Jersey Air National Guard citizen-airmen to an undisclosed location in the North Atlantic. These "Guardians of Freedom" will be providing aerial refueling and strategic airlift in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Media who wish to cover the event are asked to call the 108th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office at 609-754-4173 not later than 7 p.m. on May 3 to arrange access to the base. Media must report to McGuire AFB, Gate #2, the 24-hour gate, not later than 9 p.m. A public affairs representative will escort them onto McGuire. Each media outlet must provide the name of their organization and number of media representatives. E-mailing this information is encouraged: pa.108arw@njmcgu.ang.af.mil.

This media opportunity will consist of:

• 9 - 10:30 p.m.: Interview opportunities with the troops at the McGuire Air Force Base passenger terminal.
• 10:30 - 11 p.m.: Opportunity to watch and photograph troops boarding the aircraft and plane's departure.
  

All times are approximate and subject to change.

Directions: From Exit 7, NJ Turnpike, take Rt. 206 South to Rt 68 south (watch for where divided highway splits for Rt. 68). Take Rt. 68 to Rt. 545 (you'll be make a left off of Rt. 68 but the sign, which reads McGuire AFB, will be on your right; do not follow the signs for Fort Dix). Turn left off of Rt. 68 for a very short distance(half a block) to get to stop sign at the intersection of Rt. 545. Turn right onto Rt. 545. Rt. 545 is a single lane country road that turns into Rt. 680, a dual lane divided highway (approx. 3-5 miles) that comes directly to McGuire AFB Gate 1, the main gate. Turn left at this traffic light and go about ¼ mile to gate #2, the 24-hour gate, located on the right. (Total driving time once you come off the NJ Turnpike to MAFB, approx. 10 mins.)