Relationships affirmed

In a little over two weeks the town and the airbase will launch a series of reciprocal mutual admiration events.

The first is AFAD -- Air Force Appreciation Day, on Sept. 6. This is the party the town throws to honor the Air Force personnel on base (and to a lesser extent other military in the area). People who've never seen it before can't believe it. No other small military town in the nation comes close to doing what Mountain Home does to show its appreciation for the outstanding men and women who serve our nation at "our" local airbase.

Frankly, these people have more than earned our respect and admiration. They are more than our friends and neighbors. They are all volunteers who are willing to take on the most dangrous job in the world -- service in our nation's armed forces -- and do it with skill, dedication and no complaints.

In return, the base also is planning on saying thanks for our support, and all those people in Idaho who stand behind them and appreciate their service. That will happen with the Gunfighter Skies 2008 airshow on Sept. 13-14, a chance for people to see up close who they are and what they do.

We encourage everyone to get involved in the two events. Take part in the AFAD parade, the state's largest parade, with a float or other entry. It's not hard, and it says you care. You still have time to put something together.

If you're not in the parade, be there to applaud those who pass by, especially the military unit entries.

And take advantage of the invitation to visit the base during the airshow.

Between Sept. 6 and Sept. 14, show you care. Get involved. And enjoy.

-- Kelly Everitt