Annual 55th Wing Birthday Ball just around the corner

  • Published
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Wing Birthday Ball takes place at 6 p.m. on May 4 at the Embassy Suites Convention Center in La Vista, Neb.

The 35th annual event is hosted by Col. John Rauch, 55th Wing commander, and his wife Diane, and is the wing's largest formal social function. It is open to all active duty and civilian members of the wing as well as their spouses, retirees and by invitation to local dignitaries.

"The birthday ball is one of the highlights of the 55th Wing's calendar of events each year," Rauch said. "The Fightin' Fifty-Fifth has a proud history and we're honored to carry on the tradition of excellence as we perform our missions around the world every day."

The birthday ball was started in January 1979 by the commander of the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, retired Brig. Gen. Regis F. A. Urschler. His goal was to connect the wing's heritage to its current active duty personnel and missions, and that tradition continues still today.

This year the ball celebrates the 72nd anniversary of the unit from its activation in January 1941 as the 55th Pursuit Group during World War II at Hamilton Field, Calif. The 55th Pursuit Group later became the 55th Reconnaissance Group and then the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing before finally becoming the 55th Wing on Sept. 1, 1991, to reflect its diversity of missions.


The theme for this year's event is, "Ever Present, Ever Vigilant," recognizing the storied history of the wing and the men and women who performed, and continue to execute, the many and varied missions the 55th operates around the world.

Maj. Gen. James Jones, Air Force director of operations and deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements, is this year's guest speaker. Jones served as the 55th Wing commander from March 2007 to April 2009.

"This year's ball is going to be a lot of fun and we hope for a tremendous turnout," said Capt. Jaime Hernandez, 55th Security Forces Squadron, who is the birthday ball committee chairman. "It is a great way to honor the wing's past and keeps it alive for generations to come."

Dave Webber, a TV personality from WOW-TV in Omaha, will act as the master of ceremonies for the event. Webber served in the Air Force at Offutt with the SAC Elite Guard before starting his broadcast career.

Other items on the program include appropriate military ceremonies; induction of new members into the 55th Wing Hall of Fame; presentation of the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing Association Award for Excellence; and the traditional cutting of the birthday cake by the senior member in attendance, and the youngest member of the wing. Raptor, a nine-piece ensemble of the Heartland of American Band, will provide entertainment after the ceremonies.

In addition, a limited amount of free child care will be available at the Capehart Child Development Center from 5:30 -11:30 p.m. during the ball.

For ticket information, contact your group representatives for reservations by April 26.

Group Representatives

55th Communications Group
2nd. Lt. Caleb Mays, 294-2783
Senior Master Sgt. Tomeika Elmore, 294-8116

55th Maintenance Group
Master Sgt. James Rose, 232-7371
Master Sgt. Matthew Fritz, 294-2289

55th Medical Group
Master Sgt. Amanda Sargent, 294-7538
Master Sgt. Theresa Bergstrom, 271-7411
Master Sgt. Raymond Taylor, 294-3671

55th Mission Support Group
2nd. Lt. Philip Choy, 232-0590
Master Sgt. LaShawnda Woods, 232-9699

55th Operations Group
Capt. Thomas Borseth, 294-6010
Master Sgt. Scott Jessup, 232-4357

55th Wing Staff
Tech. Sgt. Sharner Smith, 294-2030
Staff Sgt. Stephanie Elliott, 232-3479