Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. -- The heritage of Whiteman Air Force Base (WAFB) runs deep in west-central Missouri. Each year, the Whiteman Wreath Laying Ceremony in Sedalia, Mo., serves as a reminder of the connection between the base and the neighboring community.

2nd Lt. George Allison Whiteman, a Sedalia native and the base's namesake, was killed on Dec. 7, 1941, as he attempted to take off in a P-40 Warhawk aircraft to fight the Japanese forces attacking Pearl Harbor. Initially called the Sedalia Glider Base upon opening in 1942 and after having undergone several name changes in the following years, the base was ultimately renamed Whiteman Air Force Base in his honor in 1955.

On May 21, 2016, local citizens, veterans, members of Whiteman's family and service members from the base attended the 28th iteration of the annual ceremony, which is held every year near Memorial Day, honoring Whiteman's sacrifice. This year's ceremony included the traditional wreath-laying by his gravestone, as well as a missing-man formation of T-38 Talons and other observances.

Following the ceremony, attendees heard a historical presentation at the Whiteman Corridor located at Katy Park in Sedalia. In 2015, the corridor was dedicated to the ties between Lt. Whiteman's legacy, the city and the base. It contains a sculpture of a P-40 pointing toward Whiteman's former home and a sculpture of a B-2 pointed toward the base.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Carter, the 509th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) commander, served as the guest speaker for the event, telling the story of Lt. Whiteman's heroic sacrifice the day he was killed.

"Many of Whiteman's comrades rushed to Whiteman's rescue, but by the time they reached him, George had given his life to something bigger than himself," said Carter. "It was at this point, 2nd Lt. George Allison Whiteman became an American hero."

In addition to the connection between Lt. Whiteman and the base, members of the 509th SFS are partnered with Sedalia in the Whiteman Air Force Base Community Council (WAFB BCC). Members from the 509th SFS attended again this year to pay tribute.

"My squadron and I have been blessed to call Sedalia our 'sister-city,'" said Carter. "It is a partnership forged over the years that stands as a shining example of civil-military cooperation...as I conclude my command tour in the security forces squadron, my time spent partnering with Sedalia to care for my Airmen and support their great city will have been a true highlight."

Carter and the 509th SFS continue to maintain a rewarding relationship with Sedalia by receiving support from the community, giving back when possible through volunteering and participating in community events.

Dave Rouchka, a local business owner, veteran and member of both the Sedalia Military Affairs Committee and WAFB BCC who served in the Navy in the 1960s, began assisting with coordination of the ceremony in the early 1990s and has served as the main event coordinator for the last 20 ceremonies.

"This annual event is designed to include as many diverse individuals and age groups as possible and to be all inclusive of the various armed service agencies," said Rouchka. "There has been an ongoing positive, personal relationship between the Whiteman family and the Whiteman Air Force Base community, and I greatly value the opportunity to be a part of it."

Members of WAFB continue to reflect on the service members who, like Lt. Whiteman, sacrificed so much to preserve the freedoms of all Americans.

"Remembering is what heritage is all about," said Carter. "It is a chance to reflect that the profession of arms is not just a job, but a way of life. That way of life sometimes will demand you give your life. The wreath we lay at Lieutenant Whiteman's grave is a small symbol that his legacy and heritage continue to inspire current and future Airmen to be a part of something greater than themselves."