In 1975 and ’76, I was assigned to one of the earliest environmental units created by the AF (Air Force). My position was in the Headquarters of Strategic Air Command at Offutt AF Base in Omaha, Nebraska. A co-worker of mine was Captain Felix Uhlik, one of a number of young Captains who referred to themselves as the “Sweathogs” (from the TV sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, circa 1975). We were responsible for writing EAs (Environmental Assessments) on AF engineering decisions as required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act. None of us really knew much about what we were doing, but I remember the EAs written by Felix were particularly comprehensive, so I patterned my work after his. We’ve stayed in contact over the years.
Felix and wife Nancy have two young boys, Mark and Brian, who we’ve watched grow up via Christmas letters and photos. The Uhlik’s have an enviable talent for entertaining at their house, always special in my opinion because both cook delicious dishes. We visited them in Gainesville after Felix retired from the AF and was a tenured civil engineereing professor at the University of Florida. That year they had received a bread maker for Christmas and were quick to demonstrate how well it worked. We all spoke about the dietary dangers of this new kitchen convenience as we downed an entire fresh loaf of warm buttered bread.
The Uhlik’s live near the AF Academy, so when we arrived, Susan contacted them, and we agreed to spend an afternoon with them on one of our free Saturdays. Their beautiful home sits on a large piece of property in an area called the Black Forest about 30 minutes northeast of our campsite. I refer to it as an estate since the house is substantial. I took these panoramas of the front and backyards. Felix laid ALL of the brick pavers himself. I think he said there were over 3,000.
Front Yard
Backyard
You might ask why two people need such a huge place. The Uhlik’s have for years supported up to three members of their extended family who needed help because of various medical issues. As a result, over half of the entire ground floor was built to provide these family members with private, self-sufficient living space. Circumstances have changed only recently that now find Felix and Nancy alone in this large house. While they don’t need that much space any longer, they are extremely comfortable, and continue to open their home for entertaining family and guests. We didn’t come close to photographing every room but took these pictures to share. They paid great attention to the details in the house and tastefully decorated their spaces with the vast collection of memorabilia collected during their years of travel.
The Uhlik’s have attached garages. One is a two-car, and the other holds three. Not only do they have a lot of space for vehicles, but the storage systems and containers they’ve created were impressive. Nancy, ever lookng for a good deal, obtained wooden dressers from a renovation that occurred at Colorado Springs’ historic Broadmore Hotel. What a find! They made great tool chests.
The 3-car garage had a unique way of storing more stuff. Felix was proud of his tractor with plowing and snow blowing attachments. He has a very long driveway and helps some of the neighbors with theirs after big snowfalls. He’s was most proud that the tractor now has an enclosed cab with heating.
Off the kitchen was a sizable storage room for dry goods.
The Uhlik’s have always enjoyed fishing, so it was only fitting they fried fish filets for dinner. Nancy always sets a beautiful table. Anyone for chess later?
The Uhlik’s were gracious hosts. We been fortunate to know them for over forty years, and we were delighted we all had the time to get together and reminisce once again.
