The military cemetery at Offutt AFB has existed since the Ft Crook cavalry days of 1895. Yet, in all that time no flag pole to hold the nation's colors had graced that hallowed ground. That situation was rectified in September 2005 thanks to a joint effort of the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing Association, the AK-SAR-BEN Chapter of the Air Force Association, and the 55th Civil Engineering Squadron.
The 55th Wing Commander, BrigGen Craig Koziol had noticed the absence of a flag at the cemetery and asked his Command Chief MSgt Robert Muthard to look into correcting the void. The Chief asked the AFA chapter executive board if they would like to take on the project. AFA President Michael Cook (also a member of the 55th SRWA Board of Directors) then asked 55th SRWA President Jim Thomas if he wanted to make it a joint project. Accepting another chance to assist the 55th Wing was an easy decision.
Spearheaded by the respective presidents of the two associations, and coordinated by Thomas, the process moved very quickly with the cooperation of the 55th Civil Engineering Sqd. The procuring of the flag pole and large US flag was done, and the CE troops built the base plot to support the pole. It actually went up on/about 22 September in hope that BG Koziol could see his idea come to fruition and officiate at a dedication ceremony. However, his pending change of command and other events filled his schedule, so it didn't happen then.
The formal dedication ceremony took place, appropriately, on Veterans Day, 11 November 2005 at 1000 in untypical moderate autumn weather, a crowd of over 100 retirees and active duty personnel witnessed a dignified and solemn presentation.
Colonel (BG-sel) Jonathan George, now the 55th Commander, presided over the event. It began with the US Strategic Command Honor Guard (a marine, sailor, soldier and airman) raising a ceremonial flag while the National Anthem was sung.
Wreath
bearer, Narrator, Col Daly, Col George, Col Thomas
An invocation by the wing chaplain blessed the honored dead whose permanent resting place the Offutt Cemetery is. Col George made moving remarks recognizing the efforts of all involved and the meaning of having the ceremony so honored.
55SRW Assn President Thomas,
55th Wing CC Col George, AFA Chapter President Daly
That was followed by the unveiling of the dedication plaque, mounted on a pedestal at the base of the flag pole, by 55SRWA President Thomas, and newly elected AFA Chapter President John Daly, recently retired vice commander of the 55th Wing.
Col George then placed a wreath on the site, followed by a 21 gun salute and the playing of echoing Taps. The ceremony closed and the assembled group departed.
Among those in attendance were Mrs Sharon Thomas, Mrs Donna Daly, past 55th SRWAssn president Bill Ernst, Secretary Max Moore; Board members: Robb Hoover and Jim Maloney and Colonel Don Kelly; former 55th SRW Commander Regis Urschler; 55th SRWAssn members Harry Tull, Arlen and Mary Howe, Hank and Joanne Reiden, Frank and Lawanda Hicks, Rich Marcoux Dick Purdum (a former and the last 3902 ABWing Commander), Sandy and Carl Diver, Dave Sanborn (a Bellevue city councilman).
Great credit goes to MSgt Jay Corales, leader of the Offutt Honor Guard, who planned and coordinated the event; Mr Mark Broytsky, Chief of 55th Protocol; and their many assistors who made the ceremony a very solemn and emotional occasion. A job well done in every way.
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