PHASE TWO - PASSED, PRESENT and FUTURE
UPDATE 02-18-2012 - USCCMF is now an initiative of MOAA!
The call went out and the Cavalry has arrived, in this case, literally with the Marines, the National Guard, a Naval fleet, Coasties and the Air Force. Logistically, we needed some support in terms of just having good hands, good advice, and friends on deck. Four individuals simply cannot maintain the needs of the organization, the fundraising campaign and the support to complete the project over eleven years. We have now entered Phase Two with a great alliance in the development and completion of this cause.
We are pleased to announce that we are now an "initiative" of the MOAA organization's Tampa chapter and working through MOAA nationally is almost 370,000 strong and the work they do is incredible.
As an initiative of MOAA, we welcome their camaraderie in this project for the troops. Their Tampa chapter supports the troops, especially the critically wounded at the Haley hospital in Tampa. The project is called Operation Helping Hand of Tampa Bay. Their website explains what they do and it's a great story. Nationally the MOAA organization is a plethora of good deeds and good people doing whats right for this country.
It's never too late to become part of a great project, ten years proves that, and we need your help. The Central Command Memorial structure is 95% complete at MacDill AFB. It stands proudly in front of two new additions to MacDill, namely the CentCom building and the Joint Intelligence Command Headquarters Building, part of the growth and revitalization of MacDill AFB.
As explained in detail on the time line page, we have had an uphill battle in the completion of this Memorial. This was the tough part with delays arising from the needs of the war extending as long as we have been in existence, in fact we were planning the Memorial before 9-11.
The many changes in support personnel in both Washington and at the Command and the incredible modernization of the facilities at MacDill placed us in a rearward position. The major construction had to be completed and then we would have an idea of where we would be situated. We are moving up to the front of the line. We think most of the major work is completed.
We make this perfectly clear that the delays in completion, the cost of building, when rebar triples in price because of the housing and mortgage issues, the personnel changes, do not warrant any specific blame by the foundation or it's members at anyone. No one is to blame, except lady luck.
The war effort turned things upside down, Central Command has had it's hands full. Our project done in the spirit of recognizing the heavy price the troops have paid. This our only wish. But ten years is long enough and today we have enough challenges on the plate. We lost our architect who passed away, and personnel changes from our contractor team caused delays, and those who donated keep asking…when.
TOUGH POSITION
The present staff of CENTCOM has met with us and we shared our concerns and our need for support to get the job done. The Chief of Staff has been most cordial in assisting us, but only time will tell if that assistance can get us through the unique situation at hand.
We are a civilian organization, dedicating a Memorial to the soldiers and families of CENTCOM Headquarters which is basically a tenant on an Air Force base. The property it is located on is tiered by both base security and CENTCOM'S barriers. None of this security was on the table when the project started to the degree it is today. We really had few restrictions, thats all changed. Complicating the issue is time and personnel.
OUR FINAL GOAL
Our goal reflects in the phrase, 'Passed, Present and Future'. We will upgrade the walls with the names of those who have paid the ultimate price. We will be using the walls as a time line, starting with 1983, the birth of CENTCOM. The names of those who have fallen under the 'CENTCOM Umbrella' will be engraved on the walls starting from the left side as you walk in and in chronological order. This is part of the original vision of the Memorial in phase two. The names reflect those who have Passed.
The next step will be to increase the inner ring by supplying 12 more benches for those needing a place to sit and reflect. More emblematic decals and nomenclature may be placed onto the walls. This is a place for the Present. The command will use this Memorial for awards, promotions, Changes of Command, and other events. This is a time for the Present. The statuary, reflected by two life-size battle dress soldiers will add the depth, and a human element to the project.
NOT JUST STATUES
The statuary will be in transit, hopefully, during the summer season before snows roll into Colorado. These are male and female life sized figures, with incredible resolution and detailing is superb. The close up view of the bronzes will reveal the attention to detail, Including the pictures of her family she carried in her helmet. Soldier and Mom, protector and provider.
You will see a watch on the mole gear of the kneeling Sergeant. Note the time on his watch, it reflects his time as 9-11 the day the US was attacked in NY. See "The Story of the Statues".
These representations were taken from troops who have served in the Area Of Responsibility the detail captured by Scott Stearman is beyond imagination, and duplicated authentically.
Lastly, the center section or the mapping of the "AOR" will be replaced by a more modern image of the area. After ten years it looks and feels dated and needs to be more representative. It reflected a different time and place when it was designed years ago. The new centerpiece will add both a needed upgrade and a new focal point for the memorial.
It is one, if not the most tumultuous regions of the world. As it has been since the beginning of recorded time. It reminds us and our leaders about the cost of the wars in a region which is spoken in terms of decades, and those costs associated with it. The close proximity of the Memorial to the CENTCOM and JICCENT buildings was one of the good things that happened.
As times change, the challenge to the command is to weigh the facts, and base their decisions on what has been learned before they send our troops abroad. This is the Future. It stands for those who have fallen but will not forgotten.
This Troop Memorial represents the Passed, the Present, and the Future of CENTCOM
WHY SO LONG?
Just when we got to make alliances with the Command, it seems the personnel were deployed or re-assigned to the AOR theatre. It has taken almost eleven years since the project was first envisioned. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that our organization is strong and resolute in completing the mission and finally we can see the light.
The story so far does have a happy ending. By biding our time, our position actually improved. We will be situated in close proximity to the two main buildings. We have a beautiful lake right next door fitting in perfectly in both size and architectural composition. Pictures are scattered throughout this website. Construction of the new Centcom building is completed and is occupied. The two buildings are like mirrors.
It adds a tremendous amount of depth to the project. The host engineering services provided by the 6th Air Wing were exemplary. When you see it, the lake, the new CENTCOM Headquarters building aligned next to the Joint Intelligence building (JICCENT) and the Memorial make the total picture right. The last phase of the rebuilding will be adequate secure parking for the facility.
YOU CAN HELP
Your participation and support for our efforts will be appreciated by the surviving spouses, families, and friends of the men and women we honor. Millions of Americans need to hear the message of Honor, Courage, Commitment, and Sacrifice embodied in their experiences. Based on availability, we would be happy to come speak with your group or organization.
To HELP plan your participation with the Memorial Foundation, please contact either of us by e-mail, or phone at the following:
Ellie Scarfone- Malanowski
info@centcommemorial.org
727 - 460-6507
Alan Jacobson
ajacobs2@tampabay.rr.com
727 - 812- 8101
DONATIONS
The Memorial's funding is based on Individual as well as Corporate Tax Deductible Donations. No government dollars will, or have been, used in this project.
MATCHED FUND DONATIONS
Many corporations offer “match contributions” made by their employees, or their spouses, to Foundations. Some will also match contributions made by members of their Board of Directors. If you work for an employer that will match contributions, your donation is then doubled or tripled with their efforts.
Fundraisers:
In order to finance the cost of completing the Memorial, the Foundation, will consider fund-raisers. We, the foundation, will consider working jointly with you on walks, golf tournaments and other functions you may chose to develop
Media Coverage:
We would like to provide helpful links to other publications in which one might find information regarding the Foundation. If you would like information or have a link, contact us at our webmeister. ajacobs2@tampabay.rr.com
LOCATION
MacDill is a former Air Force bomber training facility located eight miles south of downtown Tampa and hosts several strategic tenants. CENTCOM, SOCOM, NOAA, JIOC, and other groups are headquartered and established there.
The physical parameters and logistics of a project such as this was under direction of the Air Force. The base is home to 6,000 military and civilian employees on 5,000 acres. It was activated in 1941, and is the home of the 6th Air Mobility Wing, and the 6th Refueling Wing. The 6th Refueling and Mobility Wings garners much acclaim in the refueling operations in the Middle East and other areas of conflict.
THE COMMAND ITSELF
Headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) is one of six Unified Combatant Commands. CENTCOM is assigned operational control of combat forces in the middle east. Activated by President Ronald Reagan on Jan.1, 1983, CENTCOM is the permanent successor to the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force. Learn More
THANK YOU
A special thank you to our patrons and friends who realized we have had many pressing moments these past few years. You have a supported the Memorial foundation with patience, friendship and loyalty. You have been the heroes. You have helped us through this long process. Again, thank you ALL for your patience and support. It has taken longer than expected but we are diligent and pressing forth at every opportunity.
Mrs. Ellie Scarfone-Malanowski
President, Chairman of the Board
727-460 -6507
info@centcommemorial.org
Mrs. Julia Baker - Past Vice President
David L. Troup - Treasurer
Alan Jacobson - Secretary
Public Relations, Website, Local Construction
• 727-812-8101 • FAX (727) 231-0969
NEW OFFICIAL MAILBOX
US CENTCOM Memorial Foundation
POST OFFICE BOX 47157
ST. PETERSBURG, FL. 33743