United States Senator Deb Fischer’s Weekly Column
Nebraska is steeped in military tradition. It is home to Offutt Air Force Base, Camp Ashland, and our Nebraska National Guard. The Guard’s roots run deep. In 1854, 13 years before Nebraska achieved statehood, Territory Governor Thomas B. Cumings called for Nebraska settlers to form two militia regiments which laid the foundation for the Nebraska National Guard.
Time and time again, the Nebraska National Guard has stood shoulder to shoulder with first responders and local police departments to save lives and support recovery efforts here at home. When historic flooding hit the Midwest in 2019, they were there. When wildfires raged in 2021, they were there. And when tornadoes tore through our communities just last year, they were there.
But their willingness to serve doesn’t just stop in Nebraska. When disaster struck Florida, over 100 guardsmen volunteered to help. Many were deployed to Texas, assisting the Border Patrol in securing the southern border. Whether crisis occurs close to home or states away, our Guard is prepared to come to the aid of Americans in need.
In April, I had the privilege to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for two outstanding new facilities: the Mead Barracks and the Bellevue Readiness Center. These state-of-the-art buildings provide modern living quarters and workspaces that our Nebraska National Guard has long needed and deserved.
The new Mead Barracks will accommodate around 180 soldiers, allowing them to train on-site rather than commuting from elsewhere. Uniquely, the barracks also offer the capability of co-ed housing of troops in all bays—if the command team allows—giving them the flexibility they need.
Just down the road, the new Bellevue Readiness Center marks another major step forward. Located near Offutt Air Force Base, its proximity strengthens coordination between the active duty and Guard functions at Offutt and the surrounding communities.
The Bellevue Readiness Center is the foundation for the future. Supporting nearly 400 National Guard personnel, it’s more than just a building. It means better readiness, quicker response times, and a Guard that continues to lead the way—not just in Nebraska, but across the nation.
I am incredibly proud of our National Guard for their hard work in safeguarding both our nation and our state. These new, modern facilities mark a significant step forward for Nebraska and the National Guard, symbolizing a bright and promising future ahead.
To the men and women of our National Guard: Thank you for your service and sacrifice. We owe you a deep debt of gratitude for keeping our communities safe.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
