This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Read More
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 30 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, beer, 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. The picnic is scheduled for May 28, 2026, at the Bellevue Berry Farm. (Co-chairman are: Tim Burke, George Rybar, John Winkler, and Bob Danenhauer)
Each year the OAC raises funds to give away bicycles and helmets at the annual Appreciation Day Picnic. In 2025, funds were raised to purchase 100 bicycles and helmets. (Tim Burke is the chairman)
The OAC distributed hams and turkeys to our military personnel for the holidays. In 2025, we will distribute 1,200 turkeys, 1,200 hams, 1,200 gift certificates, and 3lb packages of hamburger. Distribution dates are: November 21, 2025, and December 19, 2025.
Each year the OAC raises funds to go to the base in support of our Airmen and military families. Funds go to the Chiefs’ Group for distribution as needed in support of our Airmen and military families throughout the base. In 2025, a check for $85,000 was presented to the Chiefs’ Group. The next Wild Blue Yonder Fundraiser will be held February 28, 2026, 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.
The OAC also works with the base to hold briefings/tours to help educate our 140 members on the roles and missions at Offutt AFB.
Offutt Advisory Council Board of Directors
John Hansen
Harlan Falk
Rick Sanders
Mary Swick
Jim Guretzky
Bill Ernst
Mark “Ski” Borytsky, Offutt AFB Chief of Protocol
Senator Rita Sanders
Shannon Howard, Congressman Don Bacon’s Office
Deb Schorr, Congressman Mike Flood’s office
Robert Ford, Nebraska Military Affairs Liaison Diane Bruce, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce
Randy Norwood, Omaha Chamber of Commerce
Karen Gibler, Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce