Civilian honored at Offutt award ceremony

  • Published
  • By D.P. Heard
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Air Combat Command's 2013 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award was presented to Jeremiah J. Needham during a ceremony here June 19.

The ceremony was presided over by Col. Andrea Tullos, former 55th Mission Support Group commander.

"Mr. Needham's community service has been exemplary, and is just one more case where the Bellevue community goes above and beyond to give back to those, who serve their nation not only in uniform but as civic-minded citizens who serve as teachers, firemen, police officers and in charitable organizations across Nebraska," Tullos said. "He has been an invaluable mentor to our young Airmen who see by his example that there are always ways to give back."

The Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award was established by the Air Force, Army and Navy to recognize people who demonstrated exceptional patriotism and humanitarian concerns for members of the United States armed forces or their families.

Needham distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding lifetime of dedicated support to the 55th Wing. During his fourteen years of Offutt community service, he established four Air Force Association fundraisers contributing $30,000 for 20 scholarships and grants to Airmen and their families and organized 144 visits to the Omaha Regional Veteran's Hospital to boost veteran's morale.

For his efforts in support of the Offutt community he has also received the Volunteer Excellence Award for Exceptionally Meritorious Lifetime Volunteer Service to the Air Force Community.

He credited the 6th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James McCoy as his inspiration.

"I especially thank [6th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force] Jim McCoy and his wife, Kathy, who have been personal motivators of mine for years and Jim has been my mentor, involving me in ever increasing roles of responsibility in the Air Force Association."

McCoy and his wife Kathy were in attendance for this event.

"I must tell you that when Chief McCoy asks if you would like to do something, no matter how busy you think you are, he's one person you can't refuse, because your activity schedule pales in comparison to his continuing efforts in behalf of Air Force Airmen around the world," Needham said.

Needham is currently part of a team continuing monthly VA Hospital visits, bringing drinks, snacks and comfort to hospitalized patients. He is a member of an organizing committee for an annual Air Force Association golf fundraiser to raise scholarship and book grant money for active duty members, ROTC and JRROTC students; he is also involved in helping to organize and run a large car show raising thousands of dollars for Wounded Warriors.

In addition, he gives talks to area town councils and community groups about this year's Centennial Celebration of the Lincoln Highway, the nation's first, paved, coast-to-coast highway originally dedicated in 1913.

Needham plans to remain active in base and local community volunteer projects wherever and whenever a need arises.

"We're fortunate to have him as a long-standing member of Team Offutt," Tullos said.

For more information about the Zachary and Elizabeth fisher distinguished civilian Humanitarian award go to http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r672_16.pdf.