Take flight with Starlifter, the Air Force Band of Mid-America tomorrow

The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America?s group, Starlifter, is a seven-piece group of talented Airmen-musicians. The group performs virtually every musical idiom, from rock and pop to jazz and country, to great contemporary and traditional patriotic songs. Starlifter features the best in popular music from the 1970?s to the most current sounds at the top of today?s charts.

Because of their unique and diverse programs, the musicians of Starlifter are in great demand both at home and abroad. This group was an overwhelming success in a recent three month deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. They visited six countries, entertaining and raising the morale of United States service men and women, coalition forces and civilians. Starlifter also went on a four-month humanitarian and civic assistance deployment to seven Central and South America and Caribbean countries. They performed for more than 34,000 people in over 90 performances.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 25, Starlifter comes to the new Oswego Entertainment Venue, 1010 Station Drive, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. as a part of Oswego Honors Veterans Week.?

Starlifter is a component of the Band of Mid-America, which is the musical ambassador of Air Mobility Command. The Band of Mid- America was established in 1942 at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. In 1960, the band began working from its present home at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, as the principal representative of the Military Air Transport Service and Military Airlift Command, both predecessors of Air Mobility Command. In any given year, the Band of Mid-America and its component units perform more than 400 engagements for over one million people.

Starlifter?s musical versatility provides an exciting event for audiences overseas, our nation?s top leaders, festivals, or enthusiastic crowds at a summer park concert. In the tradition of their namesake, the C-141 Starlifter transport jet, this combo?s high-energy music transports its listeners to a higher plain.

The show is free and open to the public. Bring your own lawn chairs. Coolers are permitted for food and (non-alcoholic) beverages. The concert begins promptly at 6 p.m. with the presentation of the colors and the National Anthem.

The Middle East Conflicts Wall of Honor is on exhibit now till Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. The Wall honors those who died during conflicts in the Middle East since 2001, and can be an emotional experience for viewers as they reflect on the names and images of fallen military personnel who have given their lives in the conflicts.?

The Wall is on display 24 hours a day in the lobby of Oswego Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill. Entry is free and open to the public. Please be respectful of others who may be reflecting on personal loss.

Oswego Honors Veterans Week continues through Memorial Day, in conjunction with the exhibition of the Middle East Conflicts Wall of Honor, with free events for the community at venues across Oswego.

• Friday, May 28: Let Freedom Ring Rock N Roll Concert & Street Dance, featuring Jason Hubbard and Whiskeyfist, on Main Street, 6-11 p.m.
• Saturday, May 29: 144th Army Band, concert at Veterans Serenity Park, 2 p.m.
• Sunday, May 30: Springbrook Church's Chicagoland Pops Orchestra, concert at Oswego Entertainment Venue, 1010 Station Drive, 7-8 p.m.
• Monday, May 31: Memorial Day Parade, presented by American Legion Post 675, Main Street, 10 a.m.
• Monday, May 31: Closing Ceremonies at Village Hall (outdoors), 3 p.m.

Show your support for Oswego's veterans by joining us for these events that bring the community together. All events are free and open to the public. Bring your own lawn chairs. Find event details and more information at?www.oswegohonorsveterans.com.