Be our guest Published June 8, 2017 By Senior Airman Joshua Kincaid 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Paved roads, public schools, highway systems: These are all highly visible examples of what we see, as American citizens, resulting from our tax investments. Military infrastructure is also funded by the public, but is seldom seen due to national security and how critical it is to defense. The Youngstown Air Reserve Station would like to share your investment with you by inviting the public to be our guest at the Thunder Over the Valley Air Show. The air show and open house is a free, public event scheduled for June 17 and 18, 2017. This event falls under the community relations (COMREL) program and bases are encouraged to host them regularly. According to Public Affairs Air Force Instruction 35-105, the objectives of the COMREL program are to increase public awareness and understanding, support Air Force recruiting, and to maintain a reputation as a good neighbor and respected, professional organization. An open house provides an opportunity for citizens to gain an understanding of Air Force missions and military capabilities as well as the skills and professionalism of its people. “These large-scale events at YARS are a great way to show off our mission to our neighbors outside the fence,” said Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr., 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Superintendent. “Open houses also allow our neighbors to meet our Citizen Airmen, talk with Air Force Reserve Recruiters and see how their hard-earned defense tax dollars are being spent right here in the Mahoning Valley.” Parking, locations and other important event information can be found by visiting the official website at https://youngstownairshow.com/