Dayton Region, Ohio
The Dayton Development Coalition's Hometown Heroes program in Ohio is a year-round community appreciation program celebrating the contributions of those stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force and Springfield Air National Guard Base.
Inaugurated in 2004 and supported by the generosity of local businesses and sponsors, the Hometown Heroes program has provided more than 63,000 complimentary sports and entertainment tickets to airmen, their families and DOD civilians for a VIP experience at local events. Tickets include admission to performing arts venues, the Dayton Art Institute outdoor concerts, NCAA March Madness basketball games and Dayton Dragons minor league baseball games.
Airmen and veterans are publicly recognized at the events and in sponsorship ads, radio spots and other media promotions.
(Above) Airmen from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Springfield Air National Guard Base carry the U.S. flag onto the court during the NCAA First Four basketball tournament at the University of Dayton Arena. Photo submitted.
