Government Shutdown Cancels 'Hometown Heroes' Day

Col. Howard “Chip” Eissler had been looking forward to seeing locals race around the former runway at Willow Grove air base on Saturday. 

But, because of the government shutdown, Eissler won't get to watch would-be 5K racers, mingle with locals, or honor military as part of the Horsham Air Guard Station's Hometown Heroes Day, which was supposed to be held on Saturday. 

As the deadline loomed Wednesday morning to begin paying vendors for portable restrooms and other items for the event, Eissler, the 111th Fighter Wing Commander of the Horsham Air Guard Station, made the decision to cancel the activities.

"Technically we couldn't spend our money on stuff like that," said Eissler, who himself was furloughed on Wednesday. 

He and other military had spent the last year planning the community event. But, with the government shutdown in effect indefinitely, Eissler said he does not know if the event could be rescheduled or when it might be able to be held. 

"It's frustrating," Eissler said. "It's really frustrating."