Ron Elwell, Jr. was born an Air Force dependent at Barksdale, AFB, Louisiana. In 1984, Ron’s father, who did five tours in Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller, was stationed at Offutt, AFB and Ron attended Bellevue and Papillion/La Vista Public schools and graduated from Bellevue West High School.
During his youth, Ron was very active in Civil Air Patrol as well as AFJROTC. To understand his father’s experiences, Ron read many books on the Vietnam War and spent a great deal of time educating himself about that war. These endeavors led to Ron’s own military career, beginning in 1997, with the Nebraska Army National Guard.
Ron went on to Active Service as Helicopter Crew Chief for UH-60s, UH-1s, AH-1s, OH-58s and as a Flight Engineer of CH-47s. Additionally, he also served as an Operation Specialist at the Task Force level as well as the Brigade and Battalion levels, advising commands on helicopter operations and capabilities. Three days before 9/11, Ron deployed to Bosnia in support of Multi-National Support and Stabilization Operations (SFOR). From there, he went on to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve (Iraq), and the Southwest Boarder, Operation Jump Start (Arizona).
After 22 years of service, Ron retired in Oklahoma City in 2020. During his time in service, Ron received several commendations including three Air Medals for his actions in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He is also the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.
Eventually, Ron found himself back in Bellevue, Nebraska, dating his junior high sweetheart. Ron has three daughters. Ron has worked as a project manager for a local roofing company and is a licensed insurance agent in both Nebraska and Iowa. Currently, Ron serves as our Full-Time Executive Director and has served both on our board and as the Lead Restorer of our UH-1 Huey.
