AIR FORCE WEEK: Listen, Talk, Share. Published Oct. 22, 2010 By Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson Commander, 45th Space Wing Patrick AFB, Fla. -- Bottom Line Up Front: We are all in for an exciting week ahead. While there have been numerous lead-up events, Air Force Week Cocoa Beach officially kicks-off on Tuesday and we are going to take full advantage of this great opportunity to showcase the men and women serving in the world's greatest Air Force. Beginning with events at Magic Kingdom featuring a parade honoring Hometown Heroes, a Thunderbirds flyover and all the way through the breathtaking Cocoa Beach Air Show next weekend, thousands of Americans are going to be converging on Central Florida to learn about THEIR Air Force. We're not going to disappoint them. This is an incredible opportunity for us to raise awareness of not only what the 45th Space Wing and our mission partners do here on the Space Coast, but to increase awareness regarding all Air Force operations and activities. Specifically, what we as Airmen bring to contingency operations, humanitarian relief missions, and how we defend our great nation through air, space and cyberspace. The theme of this year's Air Force Week is "Honoring Hometown Heroes." Our desire is to introduce ourselves to parts of the community who may have limited access to our Airmen and little knowledge of our mission. Simply put, we are going to be in venues around the region representing the entire Air Force. Each of us should take full advantage of what this upcoming week will have to offer. From the Proclamation Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, where the Undersecretary of the Air Force, the Honorable Erin Conaton, will be presiding. To the Tops in Blue Concert at the Kennedy Space Center at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday. To the Cocoa Beach Air Show on Saturday and Sunday along the beach. It will be a great time to celebrate our Air Force and to get families involved in many of the activities. We have a truly special relationship with our local Space Coast community and this great opportunity will only strengthen those bonds. Literally tens of thousands of Air Force Active Duty, civilian, Guard, Reserve, retirees and our families call Central Florida home. So, get out and talk to your neighbors! Show them the schedule of events on page 3 of the Missileer (available on the Patrick website) and invite them to learn more about our great Air Force. Remember, each one of us have our own unique Air Force story to share, so be proud and don't be afraid to tell it. Thanks again for all you do.