OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Born in November 1949 in Aliceville, Alabama, Herman Colvin’s life was a testament to the power of selfless service. His journey of dedication began when he joined the United States Air Force in 1971, serving as an intelligence analyst with the 544th Intelligence Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
After four years of military service, Colvin’s commitment to others only grew stronger. He expanded his impact from the base to the broader Omaha Metropolitan Area, where he became a powerful advocate for Airmen and their families. In 2009, he joined the Offutt Advisory Council (OAC), stepping into a pivotal role as a liaison between the installation and the local community. His work fortified the enduring partnership between Offutt AFB and the people it calls neighbors.
“Herman was a servant leader,” said Susan Colvin, Herman’s wife. “Whenever he saw a community need, he used his leadership qualities to try to make a positive change. Herman watched his mother provide for a large family and yet find a way to provide to those in her community.”
Colvin’s character embodied the Air Force core value of Service Before Self. He didn’t just support the mission; he wove himself into the very fabric of daily life for Offutt’s Airmen, ensuring they felt appreciated, supported, and connected — no matter how far they were from home.
“Herman walked the walk when it came to giving back to Airmen,” said Col. Aaron Gray, 55th Wing deputy commander. “He always talked about how he remembered being a young Airman away from home, and wanted to make sure today’s Airmen feel appreciated and welcomed, and, boy did he ever! And we are so very grateful for him.”
One of Colvin’s most beloved initiatives was directing the Offutt Appreciation Day Picnic, an annual celebration that welcomed approximately 15,000 military members and their families with free food, entertainment, and raffles. His tireless work behind the scenes ensured that Offutt’s Airmen knew they were valued members of a larger community.
“I had the privilege of working with Mr. Colvin on many events through the years, including the Offutt Appreciation Day Picnic,” said David Hopper, 55th Wing Public Affairs operations chief. “He was the true definition of a servant-leader – he was setting everything up and on the front lines of the events ensuring every detail was accomplished.”
But Herman’s devotion to Offutt’s families didn’t end when the summer festivities were over. Recognizing the financial strains that many military families face, he founded Operation Giving Thanks — an effort that brought holiday joy to hundreds. Through this initiative, Colvin partnered with Bellevue community leaders to provide over 250 turkeys and hams, along with $50 gift cards, to Offutt families during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“Herman left a legacy of literally giving of himself until it hurt,” Gray said. “He will always be remembered for starting (along with his wife Susan) Operation GIVING THANKS. Can you imagine a more appropriate way to put the principles of gratitude into practice than organizing a ham and turkey giveaway for hundreds of Airmen in need every Thanksgiving and Christmas?”
In February of this year, Offutt Air Force Base and the surrounding community lost one of its most steadfast champions. Yet Herman Colvin’s spirit of generosity and service endures — especially in the lives he touched every single day.
“Exceedingly grateful he would be sorely missed,” said Col. Mark Howard, 55th Wing commander. “He is part of the fabric that made this community what it is. And the funny thing about him is that I was at the OAC meeting yesterday and I was hearing the things that he said on his bed as he was about to pass. And the quotes were, ‘You can’t let this get messed up. You’ve got to continue things like the appreciation picnic.’ It is important to him that those were his last wishes.”
As Offutt prepares for this year’s Offutt Appreciation Day Picnic, there is no better tribute than to honor Herman Colvin’s enduring legacy — by committing to service, community, and the daily well-being of every Airman, just as he did.
“Herman always tried to make each year’s events, whether it be the OAC Appreciation Day Picnic or Operation GIVING THANKS, bigger and better each year,” Gray said. “And he succeeded in doing that. I told him once that I want to be like him when I grow up.”