Offutt deputy wing commander thanks district, urges military families to complete impact-aid forms

Colonel Chad Backus, deputy wing commander at Offutt Air Force Base, told the Papillion La Vista Community Schools Board of Education that the recent federal government shutdown has ended and thanked the district for its support of military families.

"We're back open for business, thank goodness," Backus said, and he acknowledged the shutdown "did have some impacts" on both active-duty personnel and civilian employees. He told the board the base appreciates the district's help distributing and encouraging completion of impact-aid forms, which support federal funding tied to students from military families.

Backus asked district staff and board members to help explain to families "the why factor" behind the forms so parents understand how federal funds benefit schools and students. He also encouraged families to contact the school-liaison officers assigned to Offutt — Jenny Miller and Tina Lunderman — for support during Permanent Change of Station moves and other transitions.

As a community outreach note, Backus invited military families to a holiday tree-lighting event on Dec. 4 at an Offutt youth program near Willow Lakes Golf Course. He said the event will include a short program and gift distribution for children and families that support the base.

The board offered brief thanks and appreciation for his remarks. The advisory concluded with Backus offering to answer questions and linking families to base liaisons for transition help.