Heritage week, a time to reflect Published March 20, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Carrie M. Peasinger 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Committed to keeping its history alive, the 55th Wing celebrates heritage week, March 26-31. Heritage week includes several events that allow the wing to turn back the clock on various points in its development and history. "The Fightin' Fifty-Fifth has a rich heritage of exceptional achievement and proven performance going back 71 years, said Brig. Gen. Donald Bacon, 55th Wing commander. "This week celebrates where we have been and the importance of our history as we continue into our future missions. Also, our wing has over seven decades of success producing heroes, and the birthday ball provides them an opportunity to congregate back here at their home wing." A few of the highlights of heritage week include the 55th Operation Group Commander's Conference, the 55th Wing Commander's Conference, the 55th Wing Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the Tales of the 55th and the 34th Annual 55th Wing Birthday Ball. The Tales of the 55th is an annual forum where people gather to listen to stories of history from those who lived it while the 55th Wing Birthday Ball is the wing's largest annual social function. In addition to those two events, retired Col. Joseph W. Siniscalchi will be inducted into the 55th Wing Hall of Fame. "These events help keep the Fifty-Fifth's heritage alive and help active duty personnel here today become knowledgeable about wings history," said retired Col. Jim Thomas, president of the 55th Wing Association. The association is a co-partner of the wing with more than 700 members worldwide, most of who are current or prior members of the wing. Their role is to help the wing in numerous ways, one of those is to help keep the Fifty-Fifth's rich history alive by supporting events such as Heritage Week. "It's great to have members of the wing from various points of its development stay involved and gather to celebrate some of those moments," Bacon said. Several stories that are part of the wing's history will be told at the Tales of the 55th. One will come from retired Lt. Col. Max Moore, who will describe events during a 1970 cold war mission in the Pechora Sea, where Soviet fighters fired warning shots ahead of his KC-135R. Capt. Chris Shannon, 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, will be sharing a story titled, "Surprise! Surprise! Mig 29's Greet the Cobra Ball." And for recent history, Capt. Mark Cramer, an instructor navigator with the 45th RS, will talk about his experience with the WC-135 Constant Phoenix in response to Japan's March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. "The Fightin' Fifty-Fifth goes where the action is, that's why the sun never sets on the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth," Thomas said. "Heritage week gives us a time to reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments of the men and women of the wing." "As we go about our daily jobs that may seem routine, we must remember that it all results in combat capability," Bacon said. "Each one of us is contributing daily to the security of our country. All of our actions serve a larger role that contributes to the mission. Furthermore, I've found that this wing over the years has developed a culture of excellence, where the expectations are extraordinarily high, and I think those who came before us set these foundations for our success." The Tales of the 55th is scheduled for March 30 at 3 p.m. at the James M. McCoy Airman Leadership School here. Refreshments will be served and attendees are invited to browse unit's historical memorabilia such as photos, artifacts and videos from different eras of the Wings past. Formal presentation begins at 4:30 p.m. A $4 donation from attendees is requested. Heritage week concludes with the 34th Annual Wing Birthday Ball set for March 31 at the Embassy Suites Convention Center in La Vista, Neb. The gala event is open to all active duty ranks and civilian members of the wing, retirees and by invitation to local dignitaries. Dress code is mess dress/semi formal for military or tuxedo/coat and tie for civilians. Prices are: $10 For E-1 thru E-5/GS-1 thru GS-8; $30 For E-6 thru E-8/O-1 thru O-2 and GS-9 thru GS-12/Civilians and Contractors; and $35 For E-9/O-3 and up/GS-13 and up/DVs.