New park honors deployed military members

  • Published
  • By Ryan Hansen
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb . --  With a stirring rendition of "God Bless America" and a simple gesture of placing ribbons on a tree, about 25 men, women and children honored deployed members of the U.S. Armed Forces and dedicated Offutt's Hero Park during a ceremony here Nov. 29.

The new park, located just south of the SAC Memorial Chapel, features a hero tree that visitors can place ornaments or ribbons on as a way to remember and commemorate those who are serving their country around the world.

"The ribbons will be a morale enhancement and testimony that those on the front lines of the home front are doing their duty and supporting those literally engaged on the front lines of our worldwide deployed missions every day," said Chaplain (Col.) Jeff Swanson, 55th Wing chaplain. "By doing this, we are all celebrating the honor of being part of our expeditionary Air Force family."

For many years the chapel staff has contemplated different ways to develop the small area overlooking the Offutt parade grounds, but never came up with a strong consensus until recently. Chaplain Swanson said when the idea of a Hero Park came about they just knew it was the right thing to do.

"The spot is heavily shaded and offers a gorgeous view of the parade ground, historic housing areas and is highlighted by the flightline toward the east," Chaplain Swanson said.

There's no doubt that the family members of Team Offutt are deserving of a park like this. The 55th WG was the most tasked wing in the Air Force in 2009 and in August it surpassed 20 years of continuous deployment to U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility by its personnel and RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft.

"On any given day of the year we have between 600 and 1,000 people from this base deployed all around the world," said Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, 55th WG commander. "This tree is something small that we can do to show that we really remember those who are deployed."

Future plans for Hero Park include solar lights along a short path leading to the hero tree as well as two benches where visitors can sit and relax or simply take time to reflect.
"The tree will be decorated with ribbons and ornaments continuously because we deploy all year long," Chaplain Swanson said. "I anticipate that holiday deployments will attract special interest, but this park will be available to all throughout the year."

Those in attendance agreed that the park does a great job in honoring our deployed warriors.

"I think the tree signifies hope and pride," said Linda Robinson, 55th Force Support Squadron, who placed a ribbon on the tree for her son-in-law who is deployed to Afghanistan. "I would encourage others to come out and put a ribbon up and to remember that they'll be home soon."

The dedication ceremony ended with attendees surrounding the hero tree for a benediction.

"(The park) will mean different things to everybody on the base," General Shanahan said.
"You can think about those how have deployed before, those who are deployed now and those who will be deployed soon."