On January 15th, 2022, after a “call for models” was sent out by the Office of Public Affairs, three airmen from the 55th Wing were selected to volunteer their time and likenesses to be 3D scanned and photographed in Vietnam-era battle uniforms. The poses were used to create life-size bronze sculpture for the centerpiece of the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the “Huey Rescue Scene” which features an actual Huey helicopter. The official opening of the memorial (pending any delays) is set for June 6, 2024. New Century Art Guild, Inc. sponsored the model shoot and is a major sponsor of the completed statuary.

The three participating Airmen are:

SGT RICKY SMITH

SSGT JARED RUMSEY

MAJ JONATHAN “DIVA” RUIZ