3/23/06 - Pease International Airport Hosts a Send-Off for Military Troops
Local Businesses and Community Members Gather Late Monday Morning to Salute Some of America's Finest

Portsmouth, NH - United States military troops are anticipated to arrive at Pease International Airport late Monday morning, March 27, headed overseas in support of other brave troops already in Iraq. Greeting them will be Pease International representatives, supporting local business and veterans as well as other members of the seacoast community.

"We are so pleased to maintain the privilege of troops flying in and out of Pease International," states Bill Hopper, Manager, Pease International Airport. "This occurs at very few civilian airports across the country, and even fewer that are located in small communities like Portsmouth," adds Hopper. "It is always humbling to be in the presence of such bravery."

Hopper goes on to say that while Ryan International Airlines is currently the only military charter flight utilizing Pease International at the moment, other charter airlines are looking into this service as well for the near future.

"Chartered flights carrying various military troops have been flying into Portsmouth for about a year," states Lisa Campbell, Marketing Manager, Port City Air. "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."

According to Campbell, meals are always provided for the troops by local vendors. The troops will gather for press photographs, interviews and valedictions. Local sponsoring businesses will be present, providing refreshment and reprieve for the brave soldiers.

Two International Group and Ricci Lumber 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 Seacoast Detachment of the Marine Corps has never missed greeting an arrival regardless of the time of day. Past sponsors have included Jardineire Florist, Nurses, Inc., and Pease International.

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.