Offutt leadership, including Col. Chad Backes, 55th Wing deputy commander, congratulate and encourage upcoming high school graduates who made a commitment to military service. Offutt leaders gave remarks during local high school Military Signing Day ceremonies. Backes visited Bellevue West High School in Bellevue, Neb., April 22, 2026, and Papillion La Vista South High School in Papillion, Neb., April 29, 2026. Col. Hank Chilcoat, 557th Weather Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Perry, 557th WW command chief, visited Bellevue East High School in Bellevue, Neb., April 22, 2026. Not pictured: Col. Aaron Gray, 55th Wing commander, attended a signing event at Papillion La Vista North High School in Papillion, Neb., April 8, 2026.

These ceremonies are the first of their kind at these high schools and were coordinated through a partnership with Offutt's school liaisons.

(U.S. Air Force photos by Daniel Martinez)