Community leader honored as 55th Wing Wingman

  • Published
  • By Debbie Aragon
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  At one of his last formal ceremonies as commander of the 55th Wing, Brig. Gen. James Jones announced the selection of Gail DeBoer as a 55th Wing Wingman during a small gathering here April 17 in Quarters 13. 

The Wingman program began here in 2000 by then-55th WG Commander Brig. Gen. Ronald Sams. It has become tradition for the outgoing wing commander to recognize one or more community leaders for their stalwart support of Offutt and, in particular, the men and women in the 55th WG family. 

When it comes to the support of military members, there is one source that is often overlooked; one that is perhaps more important than others, according to the ceremony's narrator Tech. Sgt. Mo Frederick. That support is found in civic and community leaders. 

Just as members of the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth cannot succeed without dedicated Wingmen, those who wear the uniform can't succeed in their mission without the support of those in the local community, said Sergeant Frederick. 

"Heidi and I have moved 17 times to 15 different locations (and this assignment) is special to us for a number of reasons," said General Jones. "First and foremost the mission and the people here at Offutt. But also, of all the places we've been, the community here defines support like I have never seen at any other location." 

The entire community rallies around Offutt military members and, more importantly, rallies around family members, the general said, "so that when we are deployed we know we have a foundation here that we can rely on to take care of the ones most dear to us. They make us successful at a level we just couldn't reach without them." 

The general said Mrs. DeBoer and the other Wingmen are always there when the 55th WG needs them. 

"You provide support for our members. You provide encouragement. You truly define the concept of a Wingman," he said. "You are truly special people. I wish I could do more. All of the commanders here would say the same thing ... 'we wish we could do more,' but there is no way we can repay you in kind." 

Turning to Mrs. DeBoer, General Jones said, "Gail, you are a Wingman and thanks. 
Since I arrived here you have been there every time we have needed help, every time we have needed a friend, every time we needed support for the wing. You are at every function ... you have consistently stood behind us and beside us." 

Of her selection as the 15th Wingman, Mrs. DeBoer said she was shocked and honored.
"I know what the Wingmen have done in the past and it is a real privilege to be selected," she said. "It's just a huge honor so I thank you." 

Mrs. DeBoer joins the following people previously honored as Fightin' Fifty-Fifth Wingmen: 

John Hansen, Harlan Falk, Jim Guretzky and Cathy Williams - inducted in 2000 by Brig. Gen. Ronald Sams 

Retired Col. Carl Comte, Jeff Wilke and Lyle Ward - inducted in 2002 by Brig. Gen. Gregory Power 

Megan Lucas - inducted in 2003 by Brig. Gen. Timothy C. Jones 

John Deegan and Rick and Rita Sanders - inducted in 2005 by Brig. Gen. John C. Koziol
Frank Kumor and Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James McCoy and his wife Kathy - inducted in 2007 by Brig. Gen. Jonathan George