Keesler observes national day of mourning Published Dec. 29, 2006 By 2nd Lt. Nick Plante 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss -- In memory of the loss of former President Gerald R. Ford, the President has issued an Executive Order to close Federal offices and excuse all military and civilian Federal employees from duty on 2 Jan 07. Contractors should contact their program managers and supervisors for questions or they can find more information at http://www.opm.gov/oca/compmemo/2006/2006-22.asp.