4/11/06 - Pease International Airport Celebrates the Homecoming of U.S. Troops from Overseas
Local Businesses Gather Friday Morning to Welcome Back Some of America's Finest

Portsmouth, NH - U.S. military troops are anticipated to arrive at Pease International Friday morning, April 14, returning from service overseas via chartered airline, Ryan International Airlines. Greeting them will be Pease International representatives, local veterans and members of the seacoast community.

"The support of the community in welcoming home our troops has really been tremendous", states Bill Hopper, Manager of Pease International Airport. "On behalf of all the staff at Pease International, the sponsors and community members, it is a privilege to cater to such courageous individuals."

"Chartered flights carrying various military troops have been flying into Portsmouth for about a year," states Lisa Campbell, Marketing Manager of 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 have a one-hour layover in Portsmouth and having traveled overnight, will certainly be in need of refreshment.

The Police Relief Association of Portsmouth is sponsoring refreshments for the troops during their brief visit. Past sponsors include Hoyle, Tanner &: Associates, Two International Group, Ricci Lumber, Port City Wireless &: Sprint, Seacoast Detachment of the Marine Corps League, Jardiniere Florists, and Nurse Audit, Inc. Many local veterans consistently meet the troops during their visits to Pease International Airport Terminal Building and continue to do so. The Seacoast Detachment of the Marine Corps League has never missed an opportunity regardless of the time of day, and there is a flag from each branch of the military proudly displayed in the airport's international arrivals area that were donated by VFW Post 6977 of Kittery, ME.

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.