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Base ops memorializes a great man

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Anastasia Wasem
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Base Operations Center was renamed in a dedication ceremony July 16 here.

The operations center became the Crouse Operations Center as a dedication to retired Chief Master Sgt. Everett "Gene" Crouse, who worked as the Airfield Manager at Grand Forks Air Force Base for 18 years after his retirement until his death in 2009.

"We're here to celebrate a wonderful man and dedicate this building to him," said Lt. Col. Driggers, 319th Operations Support Squadron commander, as the dedication began.

Mr. Crouse dedicated 48 years of his life to serving his country, first as an enlisted Airman in the United States Air Force and then as a Department of Defense Civil Service Employee. While Airfield Manager at Grand Forks AFB, Mr. Crouse coordinated the planning and execution of more than $87 million in airfield repairs, including the complete replacement of the base runway.

"I received emails from across the Air Force," said Colonel Driggers about the responses he received regarding Mr. Crouse and the memorial. "The common thread to all the responses was that Gene was a leader, he was a mentor, he was a father figure and a friend."

During the ceremony, Mr. Crouse was posthumously presented the Air Force Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award, an award given to Air Force civilian members who demonstrate significant accomplishments, leadership, unusual competence and significant impact upon the Air Force mission throughout their career. The award was accepted by Mr. Bryan Crouse, son of Mr. Gene Crouse.

"Seeing everyone here today, I can't help but think how many people he's touched in his many years working for Grand Forks AFB," said Mr. Bryan Crouse about his father. "I think this memorial is a very fitting honor for him. My only regret is that he wasn't able to be here himself."

Mr. Crouse is survived by his wife, Sun Cha and sons Bryan and John.