What is the Order of the Pelican?
Every two years, the sitting squadron commander of the 14th Airlift Squadron extends an invitation to all Pelicans, both past and present, to unite in celebration of the induction of the most esteemed among us into the Order of the Pelican. The distinguished order is composed of individuals who have made a significant impact, demonstrating leadership that we both admire and aspire to emulate. Though the list of honorees is small, their influence on our nation, our Air Force, and our squadron is profound.
Order of the Pelican 2025 will consist of a golf tournament on Friday morning, March 28, and a dinner gathering at the USS Yorktown on Saturday evening, March 29. Additionally, this year we have the distinct honor of including maintenance personnel that have played an integral part in the 14AS 1st Expeditionary Squadron at Joint Base Andrews. Their presence will bring even greater prestige to the Order of the Pelican event in 2025.
We invite you to join us in March to honor two extraordinary former Pelicans. Let their achievements inspire you to make your own impact, showing how small, consistent actions can resonate through the years and touch the lives of many. Their legacy lives on through each of us. The hope is that this event will honor them and the extraordinary work we do around the world as Pelicans in the finest squadron AMC has to offer!
Event Details:
USS Yorktown
40 Patriots Point Rd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Saturday, 29 March 2025
1800-1900: Cocktail Hour on the Flight Deck
1900-2030: Dinner/Formal Presentation in Hangar Bay
2030-2200: Dance Floor Open
Dress Code
Military Personnel – Mess Dress/Service Dress
Civilian Personnel – Formal Attire (Long Gown Dresses for Women, Suit+Tie for Men)
Accommodations
For your convenience, we have reserved a total of 25 hotel rooms for the event. Fifteen rooms are available at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor Mt. Pleasant, and ten rooms are reserved at the Comfort Inn and Suites Patriots Point for both Friday and Saturday evening. Both hotels are situated just 1 mile from the venue.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor Mt. Pleasant
Comfort Inn and Suites Patriots Point
Purchase Tickets
To reserve your place at this esteemed event, please select the desired number of tickets and proceed with the payment process. Kindly ensure that you choose the correct rank category and purchase tickets corresponding to the number of guests that will be accompanying you.
In addition to purchasing your tickets, we invite you to consider sponsoring an Airman. Your generous sponsorship will enable a deserving Airman to attend the event, who might otherwise be unable to participate due to financial constraints. This is a wonderful opportunity to show your support and appreciation for those who serve our country with dedication and honor.
Thank you for your support and for making the Order of the Pelican 2025 a night to remember. We look forward to celebrating with you!
OOTP 2025 Tickets
Previous Order of the Pelican Inductees
Lt Col Forrest W. Engle, 1972
Lt Col Billie J. Massey, 1973
Lt Col Stanley J. Sherwood, 1973
SMSgt Kenneth M. Johnston, 1973
CMSgt Oliver P. Beals, 1975
CMSgt Paul D. Romans, 1976
Lt Col Wayne E. Van Winkle, 1977
Lt Col Maurice G. Vincent, 1977
CMSgt Rodgers Mulligan, Jr., 1978
Lt Col Darwin B. Grossman, 1979
CMSgt William W. Henson, 1980
CMSgt Thomas E. Forgarty, 1983
CMSgt Gavino Martinez, 1983
Lt Col John W. Berkey, 1983
Maj Colin M. Coffland, 1983
SMSgt Charles S. Clark, 1984
Lt Col Kent W. Morey, 1984
CMSgt Ernest R. Blodgett, 1985
MSgt William D. Thornburg, 1987
CMSgt Cecil D. Clark, 1988
Lt Col Michael J. Kobold, 1989
SMSgt John J. Hinds, 1990
Col William Bailey, 1990
SMSgt Bismark “Pete” Cosme, 1991
Maj Leland J. Danielsen, 1991
CMSgt Vincent C. Minnillo, 1997
Lt Col William “Goose” Changose, 1998
MSgt Edison Velez, Jr., 2001
Lt Gen Samuel D. Cox, 2001
Brig Gen Steven A. Roser, 2001
Gen Duncan J. McNabb, 2004
Lt Col Henry J. Steenken, 2004
SMSgt Michael R. Lambrecht, 2004
MSgt Ray Cordero, 2004
Gen Darren W. McDew, 2006
Lt Col Michael K. Major, 2006
SMSgt James D. Blakely, 2006
Brig Gen Joseph M. Reheiser, 2008
Maj Michael R. Kazlausky, 2008
SMSgt Damian R. Fox, 2008
Col Scott Shapiro, 2010
Lt Col Marc Beutler, 2010
SMSgt Kenneth Rossa, 2010
SMSgt Justin Strain, 2010
Lt Gen Ricky N. Rupp, 2013
Maj Eric W. Skipper, 2013
CMSgt John D. Gallo, 2013
Lt Col Norman “Buddy” Czubaj, Jr., 2015
CMSgt Corey Olson, 2015
SMSgt Annie M. Niece, 2017
Col Rick E. Williamson, 2017
Lt Gen Stayce D. Harris, 2017
Col Adam “A.J.” McMillan, 2019
Lt Col Lewis “Freddy” Frederick, 2019
MSgt Roswell “Tim” Locke, 2019
CMSgt Mark R. Henriquez, 2019
Col Randall Huiss, 2021
MSgt Kevin Riley, 2021
Col Adam Bingham, 2023
Ms. Val Singley, 2023
Lt Col Kathy LaSauce, 2023