By Cheril Lee
Omaha, NE – A new park at Offutt Air Force Base honors deployed military members.
Jeff Swanson, Wing Chaplain at Offutt, says the base deploys 560 to 1300 people every day. He says these individuals are sent to countries outside the United States on worldwide missions to defend America. Chaplain Swanson says the park is a visible way to demonstrate support and help keep morale up for those staying behind, "Some of us thought the best idea for this little area is to plant a pine tree there and then to allow the families of our deployed warriors to place yellow ribbons or ornaments with their names upon the tree." The new Hero Park is located south of the Strategic Air Command Memorial Chapel, next to the historic parade ground at General's Row.
Chaplain Swanson says plans are in place to put up a sidewalk as well as a couple of benches and solar lights so the park will be available 24-hours a day.