LEADERSHIP KEARNEY CLASS #34 MARCH SESSION

Early in the morning on March 3^rd, Leadership Kearney Class #34 met at the Viaero Center, loaded up a Navigator Motorcoaches, Inc. bus, and headed down the interstate to Lincoln for State Government Day. We enjoyed breakfast provided by Shari Dakan – LK Class #33.

Our first stop was at the Nebraska National Guard Joint Force Headquarters. We learned about the unique structure of the Nebraska Air National Guard and the Nebraska Army National Guard. We also had the opportunity to hear about some of the work being done by the Guard to support Nebraskans at home and abroad. After touring the Headquarters, we were able to also tour the hangar that holds a fleet of Black Hawk medevac helicopters. These Black Hawks have been in combat zones in the past and were used here in Nebraska for evacuations during the 2019 floods.

Next, we headed over to the Nebraska State Penitentiary. We were able to learn about the history of the Penitentiary, hear from the current Warden, and tour the grounds, including the yard and several housing units. The tour ended with the opportunity to speak with two of the current inmates. Both had been incarcerated at the Penitentiary for over 20 years. We were able to ask questions, and they shared about their experiences. They encouraged us not to judge people based on their past mistakes.

From the Penitentiary, we made the short drive to the Nebraska State Patrol Headquarters. We had the honor of learning about the State Patrol from Leadership Kearney Class #30 graduate Colonel Bryan Waugh. While there, we ate lunch (provided by Grant Flamig – NPPD) as we learned about the fingerprinting database maintained for the whole state and toured the Headquarters. We were able to see their dispatch center and learn about the crucial role of the State Patrol in keeping our roads and citizens safe.

Our final tour stop was the Nebraska State Capitol. We heard from Senator Stan Clouse about the bill that was under debate that day, went into the balcony of the West Chamber to observe the debate and legislative process happening below on the floor. Senator Clouse asked that the chair recognize our group, and when we were announced at a break in the debate, the Senators took a brief moment to look up and applaud us. After a vote was taken and discussion on an amendment began, we exited to the Rotunda where we had a chance to visit a bit more with Senator Clouse before receiving a very informative tour from Roxanne, a longtime docent at the Capitol building. Fun fact from the tour – our state motto is “Equality Before the Law.” Our time at the Capitol concluded in a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelley. He shared insight into his roles as Lieutenant Governor.

Before heading back home, we enjoyed dinner at Misty’s Steakhouse downtown. It was a very full and enlightening day!