Nebraska National Guard looks to bolster recruitment, partner with local communities

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – A Nebraska National Guard helicopter flying close usually means danger’s nearby—whether that’s flood, fire or famine.

“When disaster strikes, we’ll be ready,” said Craig Strong, the adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard.

However, as the Guard focused in on one community on Wednesday, the people of Wahoo got to see a chopper in a very different light as it touched down on the high school football field.

“What we’re doing is reengaging where we belong, and that’s in the communities,” Strong said.

The National Guard’s leadership spent 12 hours touring the city and speaking with local leaders as they came together in an official partnership.

“It’s a win-win situation for the Guard to come out to communities and have this personal connection,” Wahoo Mayor Jerry Johnson said.

This outreach step comes as the Guard faces an uphill climb for recruitment, with more than 300 positions open in right now.

“There’s a direct impact that the Nebraska is going to have if we don’t figure out how to help them maintain their strength,” State Sen. Tom Brewer said, who’s served in the Guard and championed legislation aimed at incentivizing recruitment and retention.

Brewer’s priority bill this session would allow Guard members to exclude certain income from being taxed.

“I wish we had a bonus system like we used to, but we don’t,” Brewer said. “But what I told General Strong was anything we can do to make the Guard look more lucrative for someone who’s looking at this.”

Strong said he’s grateful for that legislative support and that getting out in communities will help bridge the gap.

“I think we’re trending in the right direction on that,” he said. “We make no excuses. And we’re moving out to demonstrate what a great opportunity is to be a part of the Nebraska National Guard.”

Wahoo was the first in this partnership program, but Strong tells me it won’t be the last.

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