Congressman Poliquin’s Letter to the Secretary of the Air Force

WASHINGTON – This week, Congressman Poliquin sent a letter to the Secretary of Air Force, Deborah Lee James, urging her consideration to send an F-35 for static display and an F-22 Demonstration Team to the 2015 Great State of Maine Air Show. This air show is a bi-annual event that takes place at the Former Brunswick Naval Air Station.

While the Air Force has stated that it will only provide limited support for civilian air shows in 2015, Congressman Poliquin believes that these two additions to the Great State of Maine Air Show will greatly enhance the shows overall appeal. The Great State of Maine Air Show draws thousands of visitors each year, impacting the local economy, and allows Mainers to appreciate and honor our brave men and women of the United States Air Force.

Congressman Poliquin stated in the letter, “The State of Maine is extremely proud of our military history and the support of your office will go a long way in extending our gratitude to the men and women in service to our country.”

Below is the full text of the letter:

January 13, 2015

The Honorable Deborah Lee James

Secretary, United States Air Force

Pentagon

Washington, D.C.  20330

Re: Great State of Maine Air Show September 5-6, 2015

Dear Secretary James:

The Great State of Maine Air Show is the largest community-based event in Maine and is held bi-annually at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. This event typically draws over 100,000 visitors to Midcoast Maine, providing a tremendous impact on local economy and garnering a high level of recognition for the U.S. Air Force.

While we are fortunate that we have the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as the headline act this year, we understand that the Air Force will provide only limited support for civilian air shows in 2015. Given that constraint, we would welcome your most modern assets, including the F-22 Demonstration Team and the F-35 (static display). You can be assured that the Air Force and the F-22 Demonstration Team will receive prominent recognition on all marketing and advertising materials for the Air Show and would be welcomed by thousands of citizens from Maine and around the country.

The State of Maine is extremely proud of our military history and the support of your office will go a long way in extending our gratitude to the men and women in service to our country.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and support for this request.

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