1/17/06 - U.S. Military Homecoming
Local Businesses Gather Early Thursday Morning to Welcome Home Some of America's Finest

Portsmouth, NH - U.S. military troops are anticipated to arrive at Pease International Airport bright and early Thursday morning, returning from service overseas via chartered airline. Greeting them will be Pease International representatives, local veterans, as well as other members of the seacoast community.

"It is an extremely rare privilege to have a facility like Pease International Airport that is capable of welcoming troops," states Bill Hopper, Manager, Pease International Airport. "When they layover at Pease, it is either their first stop in the U.S. after returning from the war zone or their last stop in the U.S. before heading to the war zone. This occurs at very few civilian airports across the country, and even fewer that are located in small communities like Portsmouth," adds Hopper. "Group pictures taken in front of our ‘Welcome to New Hampshire’ sign are very popular. It is truly humbling to be in the presence of such bravery."

"Chartered flights carrying various military troops have been flying into Portsmouth for about a year," states Lisa Campbell, Marketing Manager, Port City Air. "Otherwise they’d be arriving in Bangor, Maine or Gander, Canada," adds Campbell. "This way, the troops will hopefully experience a warmer welcome, in many respects."

According to Campbell, the troops are very well received. "We provide special treats for the troops and the Seacoast Detachment of the Marine Corps League stocks toiletries such as razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss." Campbell goes on to explain that meals are always provided for the troops by local vendors. The troops will have a two-hour layover in Portsmouth and having traveled overnight, will certainly be in need of refreshment.

Two International Group and the Seacoast Detachment of the Marine Corps League are assisting with meal sponsorship while Port City Wireless and Sprint are providing cell phones at no cost. VFW Post 6977 in Kittery is providing a flag from each branch of the military for display and the local Marine Corps League has never missed greeting an arrival regardless of the time of day. Past sponsors have included Jardineire Florist, Nurses, Inc., and the Pease Development Authority.

For information on future sponsorship, please contact Pease International Airport Management at 603-433-6536.

About Pease International
The Pease Development Authority's mission is to redevelop 3,000 acres into a world-class office and industrial park and international airport, and create a diverse regional economy with significant employment opportunities for the Seacoast Region and the State of New Hampshire.

Today Pease International Tradeport has over 220 companies employing nearly 10,000 people and occupying nearly 4.5 million square feet of office and industrial space. The Tradeport is the home of the Pease International Airport, which services the community with leisure, business, private and cargo flights around the country.

The Pease International Airport, with its new International/Domestic passenger terminal, has complete Federal Inspection Services available on-site. The 11,321 foot runway is one of the longest on the East Coast and can accommodate the world's largest aircraft. Pease International Airport is located adjacent to Interstate 95, just 50 miles from Boston, Massachusetts, Manchester, NH and Portland, Maine.

For additional information please visit the web site at www.peasedev.org.