Birthday Ball

Upcoming

See old friends and meet new ones on 11 May, 2024. Don’t miss it!

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.