OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Members of Team Offutt will pause to celebrate the Air Force’s 70th anniversary, 100 years of aviation and Nebraska’s 150th anniversary with a special birthday ball on Sept. 9.
The 55th Wing, who is the host unit at Offutt, typically hosts a birthday ball every year to celebrate its heritage, but this year they’ve expanded their scope to highlight all three of these momentous occasions.
“We couldn’t be more proud of the Fightin Fifty-Fifth’s storied history, but this year we really want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to celebrate these anniversaries with us,” said Col. Michael Manion, 55th Wing commander. “It’s going to be a really fun evening and I hope everyone has marked their calendars to attend.”
As in years past, Heritage Week will continue to be held the week prior to the ball to include the 55th Wing Hall of Fame induction ceremony and Tales of the 55th. The celebratory events will conclude with the ball.
“The birthday ball committee has done a tremendous job organizing this event and we’re very excited to have our friends from across Team Offutt join us this year,” said Master Sgt. Miguel Saucedo, 55th Inspector General superintendent and birthday ball committee chairman. “We look forward to a great night of celebrating the world’s greatest Air Force.”
The ball owes it start to then U.S. Air Force Col. Regis F.A. Urschler, who, in 1979, was the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing commander. Urschler wanted to create an event that would tie the current crop of active duty members to the wing’s history. And thus, the birthday ball was born. The original event was held in the Offutt Officer’s Club, which is now the Patriot Club, with 350 or so in attendance.
Tickets to the ball are $20 each and can be purchased via your unit representative.