Thousands enjoy food, fun at annual appreciation picnic

  • Published
  • By Debbie Aragon
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  What would you pay for a day filled with picture perfect summer weather, hamburgers, bratwurst and hotdogs hot off the grill, ice cold beverages, and fun and games for all ages? 

For the thousands who descended on the Base Lake June 5 for the Offutt Advisory Council's Annual Offutt Appreciation Picnic, this and more was available at no cost.
The event, in its 15th year, is the OAC's way of giving back to the military and civilian employees at Offutt. 

"We, the men and women of the OAC, are proud to host the appreciation picnic each year as our way of saying thank you and giving back for what the Offutt military members and civilian employees give to us," said John Hansen, OAC president. "We know many who enjoy the picnic have deployed, are getting ready to deploy or have a loved one deployed so we really are very thankful to Offutt ... and we are here to give back," he said. 

The OAC was founded in 1992 with the sole purpose of building the bonds between the base and local community, according to 55th Wing Commander Col. John N.T. Shanahan. 

Except for the year the event was cancelled due to rain-drenched grounds, Kay Balaban, a sign painter with the 55th Civil Engineering Squadron, has attended the picnic each of the 15 years since its beginning. 

"It's an awesome event and a great chance for people to get together," Ms. Balaban said, adding that her favorite part is the opportunity to walk around and talk to people she doesn't get to see very often. 

"Sometimes you don't see people for a long time and often see them enjoying the picnic," she said. 

"Overall, it's just a nice, relaxing, fun afternoon - especially when the weather is nice and it was great this year," Ms. Balaban added. 

With more than 150 volunteers and a cost of about $40,000, Mr. Hansen said he's very appreciative of the many sponsors of the event who range from small to large companies and organizations that make the picnic possible. 

Ms. Balaban said she's aware of the tremendous cost of organizing such a large event with all food, beverages and entertainment free for those in attendance. 

"We have a great partnership between the Bellevue and Offutt community and one that benefits everyone," she said. 

"As you look around (at the picnic), everything you see represents a year-round planning effort by the OAC," said Colonel Shanahan. "This is exactly why the Offutt AFB community relationship is better than any other in the U.S. Air Force - and I would submit the Department of Defense. We have the best relationship in the United States." 

In addition to the OAC, Colonel Shanahan also thanked the many community leaders and organizations in the Bellevue area that provided support for the picnic, especially the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce.