Whiteman officials dedicate Child Development Center

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Matt Miller
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFPN) --  More than 150 base and community members paid tribute to the late Susie Skelton by dedicating the Whiteman Air Force Base Child Development Center in her honor March 15 here.

The base Child Development Center, completed in 2007, provides specialized childcare provisions and development for infants, pre-toddlers and preschool age children.

"We're dedicating this building in honor of a great American -- Susie Skelton," said Brig. Gen. Garrett Harencak, the 509th Bomb Wing commander. "She was an incredible supporter of military families and the military way of life, and we owe her so, so very much. This is but a small token of our appreciation."

Rep. Ike Skelton accepted the honor on Mrs. Skelton's behalf, who he was married to for 44 years. Representative Skelton, Dale Buckingham, the president of the Whiteman AFB Community Council, and three base children unveiled a painting of Mrs. Skelton. The painting was commissioned by the Base Community Council and is now on display in the CDC foyer.

"This is a nostalgic, but also a very happy moment," Representative Skelton said. "What a great tribute to Susie. I know she'd be touched by this."

During the dedication, General Harencak said the CDC is the most important of more than 900 buildings on base.

"For decades to come, as Whiteman remains one of our nation's most important military installations, we will always have Susie Skelton's name on our most important building," General Harencak said. "We're not only honoring Susie's legacy, but also our future by putting her name on the Child Development Center.

"Our Airmen, right now, are all over the world in harm's way doing something extraordinary, risking their futures to protect the future of my children, and your children and our neighbor's children. That's what it's all about," he said. "And what symbolizes that more than our Child Development Center -- the place where we nurture, educate and protect our children."

Mrs. Skelton, a native of Pacific, Mo., was born on Aug. 19, 1936, in St. Louis. She was married to Representative Skelton on July 22, 1961, in Pacific and they had three children.

She moved to Washington when her husband was elected to Congress in 1976, and she was active in several organizations representing spouses of public officials. She was also a member of the board of trustees of William Woods University, active in Missouri University's Alumni Association, taught Sunday school and was a Cub Scout den mother.

Mrs. Skelton was elected president of the 95th Congress Group, the organization representing spouses of members in their first session. During the 100th Congress, she became only the second Missourian to serve as president of the Congressional Club, presiding over one of the largest memberships in the history of the organization. She also was a member of Congressional Families for Drug-Free Youth.

Mrs. Skelton passed away in Lexington, Mo., Aug. 23, 2005.

"She was a remarkable lady, and I had the honor of being married to her," Representative Skelton said. "I hope that many, many children through the years will enjoy this Child Development Center. I agree, it is the most important building at Whiteman." 

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