Wing prepares to celebrate its heritage Published March 12, 2014 By 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 55th Wing Birthday Ball takes place at 6 p.m. on April 12 at the Embassy Suites Convention Center in La Vista, Neb. The 36th annual event is hosted by U.S. Air Force Col. Gregory Guillot, 55th Wing commander, and his wife Caroline, and is the wing's largest formal social function. It is open to all active duty and civilian members of the wing as well as their spouses, retirees and by invitation to local dignitaries. "The wing has such a rich history on a truly global scale, and I'm glad we take time to recognize the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth's proud heritage," Guillot said. "The ball is a great event where the wing can merge past, present and future." The birthday ball was started in January 1979 by the commander of the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Regis F. A. Urschler. His goal was to connect the wing's heritage to its current active duty personnel and missions, and that tradition continues still today. U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Donald Bacon, Air Force director of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Strategy, Plans, Doctrine and Force Development at the Pentagon, is this year's guest speaker. Bacon served as the 55th Wing commander from March 2011 to July 2012 and said he is humbled to have been asked to speak and excited to come back home to the wing. "I've been attending the birthday ball since being a crew dog in the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron and with four 55th Wing assignments, I've enjoyed many ever since," he said. "No other wing I know embraces its heritage like the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth, and I'm thrilled to be a part of the celebrations this year. "I have a cute little granddaughter living near the base and I look forward to giving her a big hug too," he added. In what has become a tradition, Dave Webber, formerly of WOWT in Omaha, will once again serve as the master of ceremonies for the event. Webber served in the Air Force at Offutt with the SAC Elite Guard before starting his broadcast career. Other items on the agenda include recognizing the newest member of the 55th Wing Hall of Fame, presenting the 55th Wing Association Award for Excellence, as well as the traditional cutting of the birthday cake by the most senior and junior members in attendance. In addition, attendees will enjoy a performance by members of the Heartland of American Band. For ticket information, contact your group representatives for reservations by March 28. Group Representatives 55th Communications Group Primary: Staff Sgt. Tim Cooper Secondary: Tech. Sgt. Anna Kelly 55th Maintenance Group Squadron Primary: 1st Lt. Alexandra Tomo Secondary: Tech. Sgt. Edward Lotz 55th Medical Group Primary: Staff Sgt. Elias Ochoa Secondary: Senior Airman Stephanie Stallman 55th Mission Support Group Primary: Master Sgt. John Plemons Secondary: Master Sgt. Flor Backer 55th Operations Group Primary: Master Sgt. Bentley Fanslow Secondary: Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Schultz 55th Wing Staff Primary: Senior Airman Anum Kampert Secondary: Tech. Sgt. Rosie Bevel Secondary: Senior Airman Miguel Ortiz Air Force Weather Agency Staff Sgt. Rebecca Rodriguez U.S. Strategic Command Senior Master Sgt. Susan Mace