The City of Ogallala is set to become the latest Nebraska community to partner with the Nebraska Military Department through a program aimed at strengthening relationships between the military and local communities.
The Nebraska Military Department will formally welcome Ogallala into its Community Partnership Program during a pair of ceremonies and community events scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6.
The Community Partnership Program was launched in 2024 to build lasting relationships between the Nebraska Military Department and communities across the state. Officials say the initiative is designed to improve communication, foster trust and strengthen preparedness for emergency response efforts through collaboration with local leaders and organizations.
Ogallala will become the 11th Nebraska community to join the program, following Wahoo, Beatrice, Grand Island, North Platte, Plattsmouth, Scottsbluff, Gering, Columbus, Norfolk and Ashland.
Nebraska Military Department leaders will spend the day in Ogallala meeting with local officials, civic organizations, veterans and emergency response agencies. Planned activities include a wreath-laying ceremony, the official signing of the Community Partnership agreement and discussions with local police, fire and emergency management personnel.
The day's events will begin with a public wreath-laying ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at the military section of the Ogallala Cemetery, located at 2501 W. Fifth St. The ceremony will honor past and present military veterans from the Ogallala community.
Later in the day, the City of Ogallala and the Nebraska Military Department will formally sign the Community Partnership agreement during a ceremony at 1:45 p.m. at Ogallala City Hall, 411 E. Second St.
Among those expected to attend are Nebraska Army National Guard Chief of Staff Col. Chris Weskamp, Nebraska National Guard Chief of the Joint Staff Col. Scott Henrickson, Nebraska Army National Guard State Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Krecklow and Ogallala City Council President Steven Krajewski.
"The Nebraska Military Department wants to be our Nebraska communities' partner of choice," said Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, Nebraska adjutant general. "That's why we are excited to formally begin this new partnership between the Nebraska Military Department and the City of Ogallala and chart new ways in which we can work together."
Strong said the partnership is intended to help both organizations better support one another and improve readiness for future emergencies.
Both ceremonies are open to the public.