The 27th 55th Wing Birthday Ball was held on Saturday, February 19, 2005, at Harrah's Hotel in Council Bluffs, IA, and another superior gala it was! This year's theme was "Warriors of the 21st Century" signifying today's wing critical missions and the personnel who accomplish them.
The Association contributes $1000 annually to help support the Ball. In recent years, Ernst and Moore have served on the Ball committees as special advisors. This year's outstanding planning effort was led by 1Lts Karen Lee and Sheldon Knutsen of the 55th Maintenance Group.
The formal event was attended by a packed house of over 760 active duty wing members, community leaders and retirees. Well over 100 Association members and guests, including Pres Ernst and his wife, Linda; VP Hoover and Shirley, Secretary Moore and Carol. Board members Jim Maloney and Peg, Michael Cook and Tina, Jim Thomas, LtCol Will Hampton and Jennie, and Denny Haun and Cheryl also represented the 55th SRW Association.
Four former wing commanders attended: MGen Ron Sams and his wife Diane (Gen Sams was also the featured speaker); Steve Stevens and Suzanne; Larry Mitchell and Susan; Dan and Katy Peterson.
In addition to the many local Association members, several parties from out of town attended the festivities: Pappy and Anka Cole, Jim and Marion Taylor, Roger Craig, Hank and Sandra Dubuy, Al and Sandy Feldkamp, Al Kamback, Rich Wilson, Bucky Shiers, Joe Siniscalchi, Fox and Theresa Censullo, Loose and Cynthia Lane, Jack and Retha Cooke, LtCol Ricky McMahon, Golda Eldridge, Sr., Paul Amen, Col and Mrs Jack McQuiston, Greg Smith, Tom Butler.
WWII veterans MGen (Ret) Ed Giller and Millie, Neil Webster and Harold Hall represented the 55th Fighter Group.
The Program
The program included presentation of the colors, the national anthem, and POW/MIA ceremony. Opening and closing remarks were made by BGen Koziol, and a rousing speech by MGen Sams. A video presentation paid tribute to the Wing's personnel serving at Offutt and far flung locales pursuing the War on Terror and other critical missions.
BGen Koziol, MGen Giller, and AmnBasic Donny Fernandez, the youngest airman in attendance, did the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake. They used the 55th SRW Association engraved saber which was presented to the Wing at the 2001 Ball.
Also on the agenda were the induction of new members into the Wing's Hall of Fame: LtCol (Ret) Warren "Pappy" Cole and Major (Ret) Thomas "Loose" Lane were so honored this year. Also, the announcement by Pres Ernst of 55SRW Association Award for Excellence went to TSgt terry c.
Hunt, Enllisted Manager of the Pediatric Cllinic of the Ehrling Berquist Hospital at Offutt.
Commiserating, reminiscing, visiting old friends and dancing went on until midnight.
Music was performed by "Nightwing", the pop/country ensemble of the ACC Heartland of America Band.
