Cape veteran Jimmy L. Gockel recently honored at SAC Museum

ASHLAND, Neb. -- Jimmy L. Gockel of Cape Girardeau was recently honored at the Strategic Air and Space Museum in Ashland in recognition of the SAC Elite unit in which he served from 1982 to 1984, providing security to the Strategic Air Command Headquarters Complex, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

In a ceremony marking the 50-year reunion of the SAC Elite Guard, two mannequins clothed in official uniforms and other artifacts were presented for museum displays. Gockel donated his uniform for the display.

During his service as an SAC Elite Guard, Gockel was selected as NCO of the quarter and awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. His most memorable event was participating in an honor guard ceremony for Gen. Curtis LeMay and President Ronald Reagan.

Gockel was selected by his fellow Elite Guard association members to represent the unit at the dedication ceremony. Due to illness, Gockel was unable to attend but expressed pride in the opportunity to serve in such a "prestigious unit."

Gockel also served with the 37th TFW Stealth Fighter unit during Operation Desert Storm and was last assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., where he performed duties as security flight chief in support of the B-2 stealth bomber. After retiring from the Air Force in 1995, Gockel became the security supervisor at Southeast Missouri Hospital, where he was employed before becoming disabled.