4/20/06 - Pease International and Portsmouth Regional Hospital Provide an Appetizing Homecoming for Troops
Troop Arrivals Attract Local Sponsors, a Growing Crowd of Community Members and Business Officials
Portsmouth, NH - United States military troops are anticipated to arrive back on American soil for the first time in months or years at Pease International Airport early Sunday morning, April 23. Greeting them will be Pease International officials, Portsmouth Regional Hospital (sponsoring refreshments), veterans and a growing number of community members.
"It was an honor to be a sponsor for these hardworking men and women who are so in need of our support, overseas and at home", states Renee Riedel, President of Marketing at Two International Group (a continuing sponsor). "We will continue to assist in making their arrivals/layovers here at Pease International a welcoming and supportive experience and encourage other companies to do the same."
"Our sponsors are responsible for the troops’ positive experience," states Bill Hopper, Manager, Pease International Airport. "We could not do this without their constant support and encouragement. Organized homecomings such as this occur 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 generosity and 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 courageous troops.
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.
