b'2023 Power In The PinesAir and Space Open HouseWelcome to the 2023 Air & Space Open Housefeaturing the world-leading aerial skills of our nations airmen at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.The Air & Space Open House hosted at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) offers an awesome opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible talents, skills and precision of our nations brave service members. Every day, the courageous men and women of our Armed Forces put their lives on the line to protect our nation and safeguard our fundamental freedoms.We owe our deepest gratitude and heartfelt support to them. This extraordinary air show allows our local community to see them in action as they perform gravity defying feats and achievementsand to share our pride and appreciation as a grateful pro-US military community.From its modest beginnings as Camp Dix over a century ago, the base has grown and advanced in concert with Americas defense needs. Today, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurstthe nations first and only tri-service facilityspans parts of Burlington and Ocean Counties and represents a most unique, forward-looking mission. It serves at the forefront of innovation and helps support the deployment and global reach of our Armed Forces.JB MDLwith its diligent service members, world-class engineers, and committed civilian support staffhas proven itself an invaluable defense asset over the years. The vital missions that thrive here are successful because of the unwavering spirit of the more than 44,000 sailors, soldiers, airmen, marines, coast guardsmen, and civilians who live and work on base.The partnership and strong support offered by our citizens and surrounding communities has contributed to the longevity and viability of the base as a mission critical installation. It has been an honor to stand with our local community leaders as we have advocated and fought for the preservation and expansion of JB MDL.As former Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and prime author of more than a dozen laws for our nations Veterans, I know the tremendous sacrifices made by our nations service members and their loved ones. I have alwaysbelievedand will continue to work tirelessly in Congress to ensurethat the needs of those who have stepped up to serve our nation come first.As you enjoy this years Open House, I hope you will join me inoffering your sincerest gratitude to our nations service memberswho call this Joint Base home, as well as the many Veterans and civilians who support this amazing community.Congressman Chris Smithrepresents the With gratitude,4th District of New Jersey Chris Smithhttps://chrissmith.house.gov Congressman Chris SmithJBMDLAir and Space Open HousePower In The Pines 2023 3'