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Offutt Air Force Base became the home to Strategic Air Command (SAC Headquarters) in 1948. Offutt AFB was one of over 50 bases at one time that reported to SAC HQ. In 1992 SAC was deactivated and the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) stood up.
The 55th Wing was then assigned to the newly formed Air Combat Command (ACC), located at Langley AFB, Virginia. Community members began looking at ways to strengthen the partnership between the 55th Wing, Offutt AFB, and the newly formed ACC. These leaders looked at support organizations at other bases and put together Articles of Incorporation and filed for a non-profit status for the Offutt Advisory Council.
On October 26, 1992, the original incorporators of the OAC signed and filed the paperwork with the State of Nebraska. The original incorporators were: John Hansen and Ken Cousino. Rick Sanders was the Registered Agent.
The first OAC Board of Directors included: John Hansen, President, Ken Cousino, Vice President, Jim Guretzky, Secretary, Bob Williams, Treasurer, Bill Rotert, Carl Comte, and Bill Ernst. Advisory members were: Bellevue Mayor Inez Boyd and 55th Wing Commander Colonel William Manire.
Offutt Advisory Council was formed in 1992. The corporation is organized and operated exclusively for social welfare purposes. Specific purposes are:
The education of the community with respect to the mission and needs of the Department of the Air Force (USAF), the Air Combat Command, Offutt AFB, and particularly the 55th Wing (ACC), headquartered at Offutt AFB
The promotion of the morale, welfare and education of the personnel attached to the above institutions and their families
The enhancement and improvement of the facilities and assets of Offutt AFB and the 55th Wing (ACC)
The promotion and preservation of a mutually beneficial relationship between the community and Offutt Air Force Base and the 55th Wing (ACC)
For over 25 years the OAC has put on an appreciation day picnic for our military families, Airmen, civil service, and retirees. Approximately 12,000 people attend the event. Everything is free to participants and includes food, drink, ice cream, pony rides, bouncy tents, face painting, rock climbing walls, music and hundreds of give-a-ways from coolers to electronic devices, bicycles, grills, and televisions. (Herman Colvin is the chairman)
Each year the OAC raises funds to give away bicycles and helmets at the annual Appreciation Day Picnic. Each year approximately 100 bicycles and helmets are given away to our military families. (Tim Burke is the chairman)
The OAC distributed hams and turkeys to our military personnel for the holidays. In 2023, we distributed 1000 turkeys, 1000 hams, and 1000 gift certificates.
Each year the OAC raises funds to support Offutt’s Airmen and military families. In 2024, $85,000 was presented to the Offutt AFB Chiefs’ Group for distribution as needed in support of our Airmen and military families throughout the base In addition $11,500 was raised for the Offutt Airmen’s Food Pantry, $5,000 went to the 595th NAOC Group, and $2,000 to the 557th Weather Wing.
The next Wild Blue Yonder Fundraiser will be held February 22, 2025, at the Beardmore Center. (Tim Burke and Susan Colvin co-chair the committee).
The OAC works to educate communities and elected officials in Nebraska and Washington DC on the role and needs of Offutt AFB, as well as to bring to light issues that impact our military families. For example: legislation was introduced and passed regarding military compact on education, reciprocity for teachers and other professional areas, tax exemption of retirees pay, impact aid, etc.
Offutt Advisory Council Board of Directors
Mary Swick
Steve Robinson
Jim Guretzky
Bill Ernst
Harlan Falk
Rick Sanders
Mark “Ski” Borytsky, Offutt Chief 55th Wing Protocol
Mayor Rusty Hike, City of Bellevue
Senator Rita Sanders
Felix Ungerman, Congressman Don Bacon’s office
Deb Schorr, Congressman Mike Flood’s office
Diane Bruce, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce
Randy Norwood, Omaha Chamber of Commerce
Karen Gibler, Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce
