Offutt plans annual 55th Wing birthday celebration

  • Published
  • By Maj. Soo A. Sohn
  • 55th Medical Support Squadron
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  All active-duty members, civilian employees and retirees are cordially invited to attend the 55th Wing's 32nd Annual Birthday Ball April 10 at Embassy Suites in La Vista, Neb.

The ball is the wing's largest formal social event of the year and is hosted by 55th Wing Commander Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan.

This year's ball celebrates the 69th anniversary of the 55th Wing from its beginnings as the 55th Pursuit Group in support of World War II at Hamilton Field, Calif., in January 1941, to the wing's present mission at Offutt.

The 2010 theme, "Proud Past, Bright Future," recognizes the legacy of the wing, as well as the men and women who perform the wing's various missions on a daily basis in support of peacetime and contingency operations.

Maj. Gen. Thomas K. Andersen, director of requirements for Air Combat Command, is scheduled to be the evening's guest speaker. General Andersen served in the 55th Wing from 1986 - 1989 as an electronic warfare officer with the 343rd Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron. Dave Webber, a broadcaster with WOWT-TV in Omaha, will be the master of ceremonies.

The program will include a Cold War Tribute, Wing Hall of Fame inductions and presentation of the 2010 winner of the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance  Wing Association's Award for Excellence. The Doc James Band featuring Honey will provide musical entertainment. Three members of the group are former members of Tops in Blue, the Air Force's premier entertainment showcase.

More than 800 people attended the 2009 55th Wing Birthday Ball and event organizers hope for an even bigger turn out this year.

Social hour starts at 6 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7 p.m.

Ticket prices are

Ticket prices are E1 - E5/Pay Band 1 $10, E6 - E8/Pay Band 2 $30 and E9/Officers/Pay Band 3 and 4 $35.

Group tickets sales representatives are:

Ticket Master Committee
Staff Sgt. Sidney Frith 294-7131
Maynard Rosenberg 294-3228

55th Medical Group
Tech. Sgt. Lisa Bartling 232-9148 Staff Sgt. Jamie Hill 294-4400
Senior Airman Sarah Allen 294-8080

55th Mission Support Group
Tech. Sgt. Dennis Carr 294-6393
Tech. Sgt. David Clark 294-4352

55th Maintenance Group
Master Sgt. Stanley Gadison 294-3510
Airman 1st Class Paul Norcross 294-1181
Master Sgt. Arthur Hoven 294-3652

55th Operations Group
Master Sgt. Randy Teer 294-9899
Senior Airman Keon Nicholas 232-6128/6101

55th Communications Group
Senior Airman Donald Duncan 294-4134
Airman 1st Class Adam Oles 232-1900

55th Wing
Tech. Sgt. Holly Azbell 294-4628
Tech. Sgt. Jade Hewitt 294-9893

Air Force Weather Agency
Master Sgt. Gene Kapuchuck 294-5888

U.S. Strategic Command
Staff Sgt. Carla Powers 232-2011/2012

In addition to the birthday ball, all are also invited to the "Tales of the 55th" April 9 at the James M. McCoy Airman Leadership School. Tales of the 55th is a traditional event associated with the ball, and features past and present members of the wing sharing their experiences while part of the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth. The event is tri-sponsored by the 55th SRWA, the Strategic Roost of the Association of Old Crows and the Order of Dadaelians. Tales of the 55th will be emceed by Jim Thomas, president of the 55th SRWA. Light refreshments will be available and a $3 donation is requested.

(Editor's Note: Major Sohn, is the chairperson of the 2010 Birthday Ball Committee.)