Dinner with Colonel Jonathan George, 55^th Wing Commander

15 November 2005

Members of the Omaha Caucus of the 55^th SRW Association feted the recently installed 55^th Wing Commander, Col (BrigGen–sel) Jonathan George at dinner at Gorat’s Steak House in Omaha on the evening of 15 November. He is the sixth wing commander to meet and greet members of the Association in such an intimate social setting.

L to R: Thomas, George, Tresmer, Urschler, Steven, Bauer, Wolfe

Among those attending were three past wing commanders, Regis Urschler, Steve Stevens and Dan Peterson. Association President Jim Thomas presided over the event which began with an hour of socializing as Col George moved among the group.

L to R: Wing kings Urschler, Col George, Stevens, Peterson

Robb Hoover, Association Historian, began the ceremonies with a rendering of the tale of the 55^th ceremonial bell which was ‘liberated’ from a 55^th forward operating location and eventually was returned to the Wing at Offutt. Accompanied by two other of the original crew members whose names are engraved on the bell, Harry Tull and Arlen Howe, Col George rang the bell to commence dinner serving.

L to R: Hoover, Howe, Tull, Col George do a ringy-dingy

Also on display during the event were the 55^th SRW Association Award for Excellence trophy, the original Fightin’ Fifty-Fifth Heroes lithograph, a picture of the 55^th SRW Cold War Memorial, and the Association flag.

After a most excellent dinner, Pres Thomas made remarks welcoming Col George, and an around the table introduction of the guests ensued. Thomas then presented a copy of Bruce Bailey’s “We See All” book to Col George.

Col George addressed the group and expressed his appreciation for the experience, commitment, and contributions of the 55^th SRW Association.

Tull then made a presentation to the Wing of a copy of the panoramic photo from the Cold War Memorial dedication ceremony taken in September 2003 at the USAF Museum to be displayed in Wing Headquarters. (One previously given in January 2003 is on permanent display in the General Daugherty Conference Center at Offutt.)

Association Secretary Max Moore gave Col George bound copies of recent newsletters (pre- and post-Dayton reunion, and post-San Diego reunion). Col George already had a copy of the Association’s history in the October 2005 newsletter. He also received gifts of the Association dual logo polo shirt and ball cap (he was wearing the Association tie and pin).

All in all, it was a worthwhile and convivial evening in which Col George was well impressed with the dedication that former members of the 55^th still have for serving the current active duty wing.

Also in attendance were: Dick Purdum (the last 3902 ABWing Commander), Association Board members: past president Bill Ernst, Jim Maloney, Col Don Kelly, and LtCol Ken Bauer; plus Frank Hicks, Tom Garrity, John Tresmer, Pete Glenboski, Dave “Tiny” Wolfe.

More pictures from the evening:

L to R: Tresmer, Stevens, Urschler pontificating, Purdum, Hicks

Pete Glenboski ‘splains how it is to Max.

Head table L to R: Peterson, Thomas, George, Urschler, Stevens