Museum, Airmen celebrate Ellsworth Heritage Day

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Rachel Allison
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. --  Ellsworth Airmen from across the base volunteered their time and expertise June 28 to partner with the South Dakota Air and Space Museum in celebrating Ellsworth Heritage Day.

The annual event has taken many different names over the years, highlighting the legacy of Ellsworth, past and present, and showcasing demonstrations, exhibits and speakers from the military and local community.

Bob Liebman, Ellsworth Heritage Foundation board member and volunteer, emphasized the importance of bringing the base and public together.

"It's so that people can get a chance to come out and see what it's about and share little bit of our heritage and history," said Liebman, pointing to the museum's role as an introduction to Ellsworth. "The museum is frankly the front door of the Air Force - it's like the front lawn."

In addition to bringing the base and community together, the day's activities combined elements of the past and present, as Ellsworth Airmen presented their careers with displays and demonstrations while several guest speakers highlighted their military professions from decades ago.

As Mary Piper, a flight nurse who served here in the 1950s, spoke of her experiences, Airmen from the 28th Medical Group related their time in the military medical world today. In the same way, members of the 28th Maintenance group answered questions about the static B-1 located outside the museum while Charley Summers, a Vietnam fighter pilot, shared stories of his time in service with visitors inside.

Master Sgt. James Blair, museum curator, noted the benefit of bringing generations together throughout the Heritage Day.

The event highlighted what the Airmen do so that guests, many of whom are retirees, can learn and reminisce, Blair said.

While many explored various presentations and displays in the museum, visitors were also able to take 50 minute guided bus tours of Ellsworth Air Force Base and guided walking tours of the museum - with visitors from both near and far taking advantage of these opportunities.

Liebman emphasized the chance for many from the local area, especially those that grew up around Ellsworth but had never had a reason to go on base, to discover the mystery of it and learn about the Airmen who accomplish the mission daily.

"It's the people that make it happen," Liebman said. "And that is really the nugget of the heritage - all the way back to World War I ... all the way back to the revolution."