Bellevue street named after local, wing legend

  • Published
  • By Ryan Hansen
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
BELLEVUE, Neb. --  The Bellevue community honored one of its local heroes Sept. 13 by naming the road leading to the Eastern Nebraska Veterans' Home after the late Air Force Lt. Col. Harrison Tull.

Tull was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen and served 27 years in the military before serving another 20 as a high school teacher and junior high counselor in the local area.

"This is just a great day," said, Ron Bond, who knew Tull for more than 30 years.

Bond started this project more than three years ago and worked closely with the city, county as well as the local chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen to help see it through to completion.

"It took a lot of politics and backroom dealings to get this done," Bond said. "He was a great friend and this is well-deserved."

Tull, who passed away following a battle with cancer at the age of 89 on Oct. 11, 2009, was a local icon. His work in the community through his church and the Kiwanis club earned him a reputation as a leader and mentor.

"I knew Harrison Tull as a Kiwanian, as a church member and as a volunteer in the community," said Rita Sanders, Bellevue mayor. "He was just a great man and I'm so thankful to everyone who helped make this happen."

In addition to his service here in Eastern Nebraska, Tull also made a name for himself in the Air Force and with the 55th Wing. He was elected into the 55th Wing Hall of Fame in 1999, the Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame in 2003 and received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007, the highest award bestowed on a civilian by the U.S. legislative branch.

"Although it has been over 40 years since Colonel Tull last served on active duty at Offutt Air Force Base, his impact as a Tuskegee Airman, electronic warfare officer and mentor is still felt today," said Air Force Col. Hans Palaoro, 55th Wing vice commander.

"Just as his legacy is inexorably bound to the 55th Wing, Colonel Tull's name will now be displayed publicly for all who travel by here," he said. "It is my hope that all who see this sign will remember the man who gave all that his country asked of him, who asked for nothing in return, and who blazed the trail for African Americans in military aviation."

Family members, friends and former co-workers joined with retired Air Force Lt. Col. Charles Lane and former Army Cpl. Robert D. Holts, two of the original Tuskegee Airman, to celebrate Tull's life at the dedication ceremony.

"Harrison Tull was always a mentor, educator and he was a friend of mine for more than 50 years," said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Randolph Scott. "I just want to thank everyone for the honor that has been bestowed on Colonel Tull today."

This is the second street named in Tull's honor. On April 6, 2010, a road on Offutt Air Force Base was also re-named so that his legacy will live on.