24-Hour Memorial

In remembrance of those who have served, especially Prisoners of War (POW) and those Missing in Action (MIA), the Earl S. Hoag Squadron guarded their POW MIA memorial for 24 hours on Thursday, 8 November. With the assistance of Detachment 470, the Earl S. Hoag Squadron marched around the memorial as thousands of students walked to and from their classes.

The bamboo cage, Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) blouse, boots, and a candle constantly lit served as a memorial for those captured or missing during war. Cadets marched in a square around the cage, rifle in hand.

At that afternoon, three cadets, Rogers, Saddler, and Duke, read the names of the Nebraskans who are POW or MIA. As the day slowed, fewer people walked through campus as the names were read. Eight individuals stopped and stayed as the names were read over the sound system, others removed their hats as they walked past.

24 hours of constant guard was powerful for many students and faculty. With several saying “thank you,” it was made known how appreciative some were of the Squadron and Detachment 470.

Special thank you to the following cadets who volunteered: Rogers, Perroni, Butler, Florance, Duke, Wills, VanderZwaag, Holden, Takacs, Schwanke, Crnkovich, Leach, Huddleston, Arant, Saddler, Culter, Edwards, Wonda, Byrne, Jason Komyathy, Joshua Komyathy, Rall, Habermeyer, Jacobs, Grohowski, and Goins.

POW MIA Awareness

DeCANstruction

Offutt AFB Air Show 2012

Air Force Association Annual Golf Tournament

Cadets Florance, Duke, Schwanke, and Rogers volunteered their time on Friday, 10 August, to help with the Annual Air Force Association (AFA) Golf Tournament. With a break in the summer’s record heat, the cadets enjoyed a relaxed afternoon with the golfers at Willow Lakes Golf Course.

Each cadet was placed at a specific holoe on the course. Hole 3, manned by C/1Lt Duke and Becca of Offutt Collision Repair, was the 50/50 hole. For $5 the golfers could attempt to get their ball on the green in order to place their name in the raffle. The money raised at hole 3 was split between the AFA and teh winner of the raffle. The beverage car, staffed by C/Capt Florance, was placed at hole 6. C/3C Schwanke and C/Maj Rogers were stationed at hole 11. There was a special prize for the golfer who got a hole-in-one at hole 11. A new Chevrolet, sponsored by Beardmore Chevrolet of Bellevue, was the coveted prize. Unfortunately, no one was lucky enough to get a hole-in-one.

The beautiful day was topped off with steak dinners and gift bags sponsored by the AFA. Although no one was awarded the new Chevrolet, it was a successful day. The cadets helped raise money for the AFA and spent the afternoon visiting with the retirees.

Small Gestures Generate Big Thanks

29 June 2012
C/1Lt Sarah Duke

Many have served before us. Often, as these veterans age, their service isn’t as appreciated as it once was. Two Arnold Air Society officers volunteered their time, distributing snacks and drinks to veterans at the VA Hospital here in Omaha, Nebraska yesterday, June 28.

C/1Lt Rockwell and C/1Lt Duke along with CMSgt McCoy, his wife, and a few members of the Aksarben Chapter of the Air Force Association (AFA), spent a few hours at the VA Hospital handing out free snacks. These refreshments were available to the veterans, their families, the doctors and nurses who work there. The veterans were appreciative of the snacks, but they enjoyed the company more. With only a few minutes in each room, the cadets went to four floors, including the psychiatric ward.

This volunteering event was hosted by the AFA. Because Arnold Air Society works closely with the AFA, Rockwell and Duke were asked to volunteer their time. This will be a monthly event, with more cadet volunteers as they return from summer break.

It is important to remember and appreciate our veterans. Even small gestures show a level of appreciation. The few minutes of conversation mean even more. With 4th of July just around the corner, it was a simple yet powerful way to commemorate the sacrifices veterans have made for our country.

Offutt AFB Defenders of Freedom Air Show 2011

2011 Candidate Group Leadership Project

2012-2013 Officer List

Commander: C/Maj Jason Rogers
Deputy Commander: C/Capt Daniel Florance
Operations Officer: C/1Lt Mark Byrne
Financial Management Officer: C/1Lt Colten Holden
Public Affairs Officer: C/ 1Lt Sarah Duke
Silver Wings Liaison Officer: C/1Lt Jacquie Arant
Candidate Training Officer: C/1Lt Payton Rockwell
Information Management Officer: C/1Lt Regina Aquino
Support Officer: N/A