Birthday Ball
History
The Birthday Ball was originated by then-Colonel (now, BrigGen-Retired) Regis F. A. Urschler, commander of the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, in January 1979. His idea was to connect the wing’s heritage to the active duty personnel and missions. That tradition continues even today.
The unit recognizes its roots from the activation of the 55th Pursuit Group at Hamilton Field, CA, in January 1941, during World War II. Then its heritage through the 55th Reconnaissance Group, which stood up at MacDill Field, FL, in Strategic Air Command in February 1947; the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing from 1950 to 1992, at Barksdale AFB, LA; Ramey AFB, PR; Forbes AFB, KS; and at Offutt AFB, NE, from 1966 up to the present.
2024 Birthday Ball Gift to the Fightin’ Fifty-Fith
Mo Krishna, Vice President, Mike Hopkins, Active Duty Board Member and 55 Wing Plans and Programs Deputy, Col Mark “Chili” Howard, The Man, and Jeff Johnson, Active Duty Board Member and 55 Wing Technical Director
