Refueling tanker to be to be named for city
By Andrew Bell
Published in News on April 16, 2006 2:04 AM
Wayne County Chamber of Commerce members who come to Business After Hours this Thursday will get a chance to do more than just greet friends and make business contacts.
They will also be the first to see a KC-135 refueling plane named in honor of their city.
The 916th Air Refueling Wing will celebrate its 20th anniversary by hosting this month's Business After Hours at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Also scheduled for that event is the unveiling of a KC-135 renamed "City of Goldsboro."
The 916th Wing was re-activated as an Air Force Reserve flying group at Seymour in October 1986. The plane, which will be on display for guests, commemorates that anniversary.
Also on hand for visitors to see will be the base Security Forces with vehicles used by the group, a fire engine and other equipment from Civil Engineering and the F-15 Static display.
The Air Force band The Blue Aces also will perform.
In addition to the 916th Air Refueling Wing, the Business After Hours event is sponsored by Jersey Mike's Subs, RA Jeffreys, the North Carolina Community Federal Credit Union and Pepsi Bottling Venture.
Wayne County Chamber of Commerce membership and marketing director Patty Graham said this Business After Hours is special because of the anniversary celebration and the unit's long association with and service to the county.
"We wanted it at the base because they are throwing the party, but we also wanted to show our appreciation for all that the Guard and Reserves do for us," Mrs. Graham said.
Chamber members must RSVP for the event. Even if a member has base privileges, Mrs. Graham said he or she must make a reservation and pick up a parking pass at the chamber office, which is located at 308 N. William St. in Goldsboro.
For more information on Business After Hours or to make a reservation to attend the event, which is limited to chamber members, call the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce at 734-2234.