STRATCOM partners in OEI, welcomes members for a command visit

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. - U.S. Strategic Command hosted the Omaha Executive Institute program, a Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce sponsored event, April 19 to increase understanding of command missions. The OEI is comprised of executives from across the business and civic sector who share a mutual interest in the greater Omaha community.

Maj. Gen. William Grimsley, Chief of Staff, USSTRATCOM, and command representative for this year’s annual OEI program, joined senior level executives, community leaders and their spouses for the event which explores various aspects of Omaha while familiarizing members to the city’s community and business environment. A visit to the command is also a key element to the program.

"Our annual tour of USSTRATCOM gives participants in the Omaha Executive Institute a more complete picture of the metro area. Class members gain an understanding of the impact Offutt Air Force Base has, not only in its defense mission, but also in the community,” said Lynda Shafer, Omaha Chamber of Commerce manager of leadership development. “This visit has become a key component in the OEI curriculum. The connections made during this annual event are long-lasting. "

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. - Maj. Gen. William Grimsley, Chief of Staff, U.S. Strategic Command, and his wife, Mrs. Jan Grimsley, greet a member of the Omaha Executive Institute program April 19, 2012 at Officers Quarters 13 on the historic General's Row housing area. USSTRATCOM hosted the OEI program, a Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce sponsored event, to increase understanding of command missions.
(Photo by Dan Rohan)

According to the Omaha Chamber of Commerce web site, the first OEI was held in 1988 with the goal of educating the city’s newest business leaders “of their new living and working environment. ”  For more than a decade, USSTRATCOM senior leader representatives have engaged OEI members providing insight into the importance of USSTRATCOM’s missions and showing Offutt’s presence as a historical fixture to the local area.

“STRATCOM and the 55th Wing benefit every day from the tremendous support of our community partners,” said General Grimsley. “Greater Omaha offers wonderful support to our military families. This community welcomes us and makes us feel instantly at home. ” 

The OEI program incorporates seminars throughout the year with different community based themes including growth and development, quality of life, and education. A visit to USSTRATCOM brought the 2011-2012 program to a close. Participants toured the E-6B Airborne Command Post, the Global Operations Center and received a command mission brief from the general.

"Being a part of the Omaha Executive Institute, and those who will continue to shape Omaha's future, has been a wonderful experience," General Grimsley said.