Fightin' 55th celebrating past, present

  • Published
  • By Delanie Stafford
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  A week dedicated to the heritage of the 55th Wing is scheduled for April 29 - May 4.

The annual event, designated as Heritage Week, invites current and former 55th Wing members to reflect on the wing's accomplishments and legacy.

"It's an opportunity to kind of open things up and let people see all of the great things this wing has done...and is doing," said retired Col. Bill Thomas, 55th Wing Association president. "It's also a great opportunity to meet, greet and socialize with other organizations in the wing."

Throughout the week, units across the base will come together through social events to celebrate the rich history of the wing that can be traced back to 1941. The pinnacle events scheduled for the week are the Tales of the 55th forum and 55th Wing Birthday Ball.

"Heritage Week and all its events is a time to celebrate ourselves...the veterans and the current warriors of the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth," said Col. Russell Mammoser, 55th Operations Group commander.

The Tales of the 55th, in it's fourteenth year, provides an opportunity to learn about some of the wing's most storied times in history. First-hand accounts and historical tales will be presented by current and former wing members.

Planned tales for this year include "Another First for the 55th Fighter Group", "Cobra Ball Deployment to Paradise", and "Rivet Joint deployment to Other Sunny Shores".

In addition to the tales, a collection of 55th Wing historical memorabilia, including photos, uniforms and artifacts will be on display.

"Some of the units have some really nice things, and the displays they put on are just fabulous," Thomas said.

The Tales of the 55th is scheduled for 3 p.m. on May 3 at at the James M. McCoy Airman Leadership School here. Formal presentations will begin at 4:30 p.m. and refreshments, including beverages, sandwiches and chicken wings will be available. Thomas said that there is no cost to attend the event, however a $4 donation is greatly appreciated.

Heritage Week will culminate with the 35th annual birthday ball set for May 4. This is the largest social event of the year for the wing and will celebrate the wing's 75th birthday. Personnel interested in attending should contact their unit representative for more information.