55th CONS honors its former member Published June 26, 2015 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Nearly 40 members of the 55th Contracting Squadron, along with the 55th Wing commander, gathered together at the Ronald L. King Dining Facility to honor its namesake and former 55th CONS member June 25 on Offutt AFB. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ronald L. King lost his life along with 18 others in the Khobar Towers attack on June 25, 1996, while serving his country in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. "We're here to not only honor the memory and service of Staff Sgt. Ronald King, but also to celebrate his life and the fact that he made the ultimate sacrifice for our country," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Larry Mercier, 55th CONS commander. "It is our duty to let people know about Staff Sgt. King's sacrifice." Members of the squadron were joined by Yvette King, Staff Sgt. King's widow, and her parents, Mills and Gladys Nixon. "This means more to me than you could ever imagine," said King. "It's just so wonderful and comforting to know that after 19 years they still honor and celebrate his life and service." Even though King lives in Bellevue, Nebraska, this was the first time she had been back to the dining facility since it was dedicated to her husband because it stirs a lot of emotions inside of her. "It's so hard, even today as I walk through here I catch my breath as a I see the plaque on the wall and newspaper clippings," she said. "But it's a wonderful tribute." After Mercier talked about Staff Sgt. King's Air Force career, his family and 55th CONS members shared stories over breakfast and reminisced. "It is imperative that we never forget our fallen heroes," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Ryan Hann, 55th CONS superintendent. "The dining facility is dedicated to the memory of SSgt King and it is important that we teach everyone why his name should always be remembered." In addition to the dining facility on Offutt, Staff Sgt. King's dedication and service to his country is also honored as his name adorns the Outstanding Contingency Contracting Award. This annual award is presented to the most deserving Air Force officer, enlisted or civilian member who has performed contingency contracting duties during the year. "I've been fortunate over the years to win a number of awards, but if you go in my office there's only one on display and that's the Staff Sgt. Ronald L. King Award," Mercier said. "He was one of our own and he was a trailblazer in our career field." After cross-training into the contracting career field, Staff Sgt. King spent his last 11 years of service serving at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; twice at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Ankara Air Station, Turkey; and Offutt.