Don Bacon: “In light of yesterday's tragedy, I think it is important to remember those who keep our communities safe, including our…”

“In light of yesterday's tragedy, I think it is important to remember those who keep our communities safe, including our military, law enforcement, and first responders. In addition to those groups, I believe educators are also heroes. Today, I want to highlight a family from my hometown of Papillion, Nebraska, the Kelletts, whose story represents what it means to be heroes and servants of our Nation. Bill Kellett recently retired as the director of the Papillion-La Vista South High School band, and was a music educator for 33 years. His students were featured in two Presidential inaugural parades and marched in the 2000 millennium celebration in London. His wife, Andrea, is also a longtime educator who taught history and directed the Titan guard and legion units. Three of their sons currently serve as airmen, and a fourth one is also a teacher in our community. Last December, Captain Kyle Kellett, one of their sons, was recognized with the Lieutenant General William H. Tunner Award as the commander of the most outstanding airlift crew in the United States Air Force. As civil war was raging in Yemen, then-Secretary of Defense Ash Carter ordered all U.S. personnel out of the country, and that is when Captain Kellett and his crew put their lives on the line to protect their fellow Americans. Their no-fail mission was flown at night, over the war-torn country, in bad weather, and with little time for planning.…”