OAC picnic showers Team Offutt with appreciation

  • Published
  • By David R. Hopper
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Team Offutt didn't let overcast skies and the pending flood dampen their spirits as they gathered at the Base Lake for the Offutt Advisory Council's Appreciation Picnic on June 10.

The appreciation picnic was put on by community leaders and volunteers who annually show their support for Team Offutt.

"The Bellevue business community genuinely cherishes the men and women at Offutt," said Megan Lucas, President and CEO of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce. "The annual OAC picnic is the community's way of showing their appreciation."

After enjoying the hamburgers, hotdogs and polish sausages, Team Offutt members got to relax and enjoy music by the band Out of the Fire. There was also an abundance of entertainment for children like inflatable bounce houses, a rock wall, mechanical bull ride and even penguins from Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and horse rides.

"After 14 different assignments, I know that we are blessed with the best community support in the military," said Brig. Gen. Donald Bacon, 55th Wing commander. "It is truly amazing to see the amount of time, funds and volunteers the community surrounding Offutt organized to make this happen for our servicemembers."

"Volunteers for the picnic had enough food to feed more than 10,000 people," said Lyle Ward, OAC member and picnic organizer. "The OAC doesn't like to see anything go to waste, so the extra food gets donated to a homeless shelter in Omaha."

"The OAC picnic committee and volunteers did a fantastic job raising funds, planning and implementing this year's picnic," said Mrs. Lucas.

The picnic faced significant challenges this year with the pending flood and overcast skies projecting possible rain on its way.

"The picnic offered a great break from all the hard work our servicemembers were putting into reinforcing and raising the levee system along the Missouri River and Papio Creek," said General Bacon.

"The 2011 OAC picnic was a success and now it is time to start thinking about 2012," said Mr. Ward. "Mark your calendars Team Offutt, the next OAC picnic is set for June 8, 2012."