Goodfellow Air Force Base and West Texas -- we've been partners for nearly 70 years.  Together we forged our Nation's sword during World War II and we sharpened our Nation's vigilance during the Cold War.  That partnership continues today as we develop the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who will fight and win the Global War on Terrorism.

Please join me as we honor you -- our West Texas neighbors -- during Air Fiesta '08.  We have an extraordinary line-up of performers who will remind us of airpower's rich heritage and its limitless horizons.  I guarantee you will be thrilled and inspired by the peerless USAF Thunderbirds and the rest of our all-star demonstrators.

So, I invite you to come and enjoy this tribute to our friendship and celebration of our future.  Join the men and women of Goodfellow Air Force Base at Mathis Field on 15 March 2008 for Air Fiesta '08; gates open at 0900 -- "Airpower over West Texas"!

RICHARD R. AYRES, Colonel, USAF
Commander, 17th Training Wing