Local civic leader honored for service Published June 11, 2015 By Ryan Hansen 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb, -- Team Offutt honored one of its local civic leaders by presenting him the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award at the 55th Wing staff meeting on June 8 at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Ken Stinson, who is Chairman Emeritus of Peter Kiewit Sons', Inc., earned the award by serving as a member of the Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program from 2012 to 2015. It is the highest honorary civilian award the Secretary of the Air Force may grant to a private citizen. "This is a tremendous honor for Mr. Stinson and we're so very thankful that we had the opportunity to present this award to him on behalf of the Air Force Chief of Staff," said U.S. Air Force Col. Marty Reynolds, 55th WG commander. "He is one of our most valued civic leaders and we cannot thank him enough for all he has done for Team Offutt through the years." As a member of the Air Force Civic Leader Program, Stinson served as an advisor, key communicator and advocate for Air Force issues. He provided ideas and feedback to the SecAF, Chief of Staff, and other Air Force senior leaders about how missions can best be accomplished in his respective area and about public attitudes toward the Air Force and Air Force activities. "Thank you very much to all of you for what you do for our country," Stinson told those in attendance at the award presentation. "Those of us out in the community know how hard you all work to provide us with our freedoms and I can't thank you enough for your service." Stinson's dedication to Team Offutt goes back farther than his service in the Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program. Since 1998, he has served as the chairman of the Strategic Command Consultation Committee. And under his leadership, the SCC has completed more than $1.1 million in quality of life improvements for Team Offutt's members and their families. Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Strategic Command commander, speaking to the Strategic Command Consultation committee during their bi-annual update meeting June 9, said it was no surprise Stinson was recognized by the Air Force for being at the forefront of the community's collective effort for many years. Haney praised Stinson and the consultation committee's contributions and expressed how integral the community is to the USSTRATCOM team and mission. In fact, just two years ago when budgetary constraints due to sequestration led the 55th WG to make the decision to close the base pools for the summer, Stinson led a drive which resulted in a donation of nearly $100,000 that enabled the base to keep them open. "That is just one example of what Mr. Stinson has done for Team Offutt throughout the years," Reynolds said. "Our community support is known throughout the Air Force and that is because of individuals like Mr. Stinson." Stinson is now an emeritus member of the Air Force Civic Leader Program, but said he will continue to serve as an advocate and ardent supporter of Team Offutt's Airmen and their families. The Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program is comprised of two representatives from nearly every major command, National Guard Bureau and Headquarters Air Force. Its members serve for a three-year term.