Installation pride initiative grows across base

  • Published
  • By 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Nebraska --  Several Team Offutt units and professional organizations have committed to the base pride initiative, a program designed to offset adjustments made after reductions in funding for  ground maintenance.

Among participants are the 55th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Chief Petty Officer's Association, Security Forces Association and the U.S. Strategic Command Top Three.

"We not only take pride in our service, but also where we serve," said U.S. Air Force Col. Marty Reynolds, 55th Wing commander. "We can showcase that pride by maintaining the appearance of Offutt and also improving it where we can. This is a great initiative that we modeled after the 'Adopt a Highway' program, and we hope to continue to see it grow."

Because of the requirement to lower overall costs and maintain the priority on the wing's primary missions and safe flying operations, the base's grounds maintenance contract was narrowed their primary focus to concentrate on mowing the airfield. And while they still do mow common areas, it's not to the same level or frequency as previously done. This pride initiative will go a long way to help maintain those areas.

"This initiative has been extremely beneficial to the wing as we continue to adapt to new grounds maintenance processes across the base," said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mike Morris, 55th Wing command chief. "We continue to look for ways to do more with less and this is certainly one of them."

Frequent visitors to the Offutt Parade Field may have noticed the addition of new sign posts indicating which organizations are responsible for upkeep in  that area. The historic grounds are just one locale, of many, where units and private organizations have stepped up to assist.

"This is a great initiative for any unit or private org looking to do something together," Morris said. "It doesn't take a lot of time and the end result is positive for all of Team Offutt."

Some areas still needing assistance include the Base Lake pavilions, Bellevue Gate and the Dougherty Conference Center among others.

"We have a good mix of private organizations and active duty units participating so far," said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Tim Hirsch, 55th Mission Support Group superintendent, who oversees the initiative.

Hirsch said he is hoping units hear about the program and will want to take part.

"We think as word spreads we'll get a lot more interest as it's a great way to build camaraderie and improve the look of our base," he added.

For more information or to sign-up contact Hirsch at (402)232-4284.