Sixty Ft. Dix paratroopers back from Iraq to jump from Delaware Air National Guard C-130 aircraft over South Jersey drop zone Sat Aug. 4 Published Feb. 19, 2009 By 010807 NEW CASTLE, Delaware -- Delaware Air National Guard Headquarters, 166th Airlift Wing 2600 Spruance Drive New Castle, DE 19720-1615 News Media Advisory Updated August 2, 2007 Saturday morning takeoff from New Castle; media can fly in aircraft as jump occurs, or observe from the ground at South Jersey drop zone and cover "Welcome Home Warriors" ceremony Media invited to be passengers on a Delaware Air National Guard C-130 transport aircraft flight departing New Castle, Delaware on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007. Aircraft will land at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey to pick up about 50-60 Army Reserve paratroopers from the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion stationed at Ft. Dix, N.J., virtually all of whom have served in Iraq since 2003, and a number who recently returned from Iraq. Aircraft will take off from McGuire AFB and fly a short distance to the Coyle Field drop zone, Chatsworth, N.J., in the Pine Barrens, for the jump. Video and still photographers and reporters are welcome. Opportunities will also be available to interview aircraft aircrew, and to also briefly interview jumpers on the ground at McGuire AFB before loading on the aircraft, and for portions of the flight. The Army Reserve unit's two-star commanding general, Maj. Gen. Morris, plans to attend, jump and present welcome home awards to those recently back from Iraq - including some of that day's jumpers and an additional large number who will be present on the ground -- and present a unit citation. Unit members come from hometowns throughout the Delaware Valley (N.J., N.Y., Conn., Va., Pa., Md. and Del.). Please indicate by NOON August 3 if your organization is interested in sending a representative, even if you do not know name(s) at this time. Needed via e-mail by close of business Friday Aug. 3: full name, job title, SSN, date of birth, news media office phone and personal emergency contact phone number for EACH individual media passenger. Send information to benjamin.matwey@denewc.ang.af.mil, to leonard.gratteri@us.army.mil, and to patricia.rowley@denewc.ang.af.mil. Also, you must confirm to Sgt Matwey at cell ph. 302-593-2126. Leave a detailed voice mail message. ITINERARY (updated Aug. 1) for Saturday Aug. 4, 2007 C-130 aircraft flight/jump: 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Saturday Aug 4 - Time news media passengers must arrive at New Castle Airport (2600 Spruance Drive, New Castle, DE 19720) for mission and safety briefing; out-process and board aircraft 10:00 a.m. -- Takeoff from New Castle Airport 10:20 a.m. -- Land at McGuire AFB, NJ to pick up Army paratroopers; interview opportunities 12:00 NOON -- Takeoff from McGuire AFB 12:30 p.m. - Start paratrooper airdrop over Coyle Field, NJ (ground ceremony after last jump) 1:30 p.m. -- Land at McGuire AFB to drop off Army safety personnel 1:45 p.m. -- Takeoff from McGuire AFB 2:00 p.m. -- Land back at New Castle Airport, DE 2:30 p.m. -- Passengers able to depart base GROUND COVERAGE OPTION: For media who wish to travel by personal vehicle directly to the Coyle Field drop zone to cover the airdrop from the ground (and award ceremony), you need to arrive at Coyle Field by NOON. The ceremony starts sometime from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., after all jumpers land. Family members of jumpers will be present. News media must supply names via telephone no later than August 3 for ground coverage. Confirm attendance to Sgt. Matwey at cell phone 302-593-2126. (No SSN or emergency info needed). Coyle Field, New Jersey is located in Burlington County, NJ, zip code 08019, about 50 miles from the Delaware Memorial Bridge, south of NJ Route 72 (Barneget Road), about 12 miles NE of Barneget Beach, Long Beach and Surf City. In Google Maps, search "Coyle Field, New Jersey." Media will be advised of any schedule changes caused by weather or otherwise. Please contact me if you have any questions. Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Matwey Public Affairs Specialist Delaware Air National Guard 166th Airlift Wing 2600 Spruance Drive New Castle, DE 19720 Mobile 302-593-2126 - preferred number to call Office 302-323-3369 -- 30 --