The Dyess AFB Memorial

 

On Sunday, 10 March 2002, the dedication of the memorial to all 38 of the Caribou men killed in Vietnam took place.  This day was the culmination of a Herculean effort by Bob Dugan, Bob Markham, and Jim Collier, which took several years to bring to fruition.

The day's events started with a brunch at the Dyess AFB Officers Club.  After dining, the honorees of the dedication assembled outside for a group photo.  We then proceeded by bus to the site of the Caribou display where the memorial plaque is located.  Bob Dugan started off the ceremony by requesting the posting of the colors by the Honor Guard provided by Dyess.  Bob Davis lead the group in a prayer, the singing of the National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance.  As Jim Collier and Bob Markham unveiled the memorial plaque, Bob Davis read off the names of all 38 of our fallen brothers.  Don "Tiny" Malm arranged for a flyby of three WWII aircraft, which provided the traditional missing man formation.  The podium was then turned over to General Eugene Habiger (Retired and one of our own), who gave a brief but very moving speech.  Bob Davis then ended the formal ceremony with an equally moving closing benediction.  We gathered the honorees once more in front of the aircraft for additional photos and then got the entire group to pose in front of the aircraft for photos.  The aircraft was then opened to allow all to tour the inside.

Finally, the local TV station in Abilene had a short piece on the 10:00 PM news in which Jim Collier became a television personality!

On Saturday, 9 March, we gathered at the Lytle Ranch in Abilene for an old-fashioned West Texas barbeque, complete with brisket, beans, potato salad, cole slaw, and lots of fun.  I am a little light on photos of the barbeque, so if anyone has any they would like posted, let your webmaster know.

A list of the men who were honored at the ceremony can be found here.

 

The Comment Page

 

The Saturday Night Barbeque

Some Of The Fixin's Stoney
Larry and Mary Larry, Peter, and Bob
Jerry and Peter
   

Dyess Memorial Photo Index

These photos were taken by my son Jonathan, who attended the ceremony with me.  I welcome corrections, additions, and ideas as to the content of this special section of our web site.  I also welcome any assistance anyone is willing to provide. [Webmaster]

Honorees at the Officers Club Boarding the Busses At The Club
Seating For The Ceremony The Aircraft
Another View of the Aircraft An Old Bou Driver
Aircraft Serial Number Attendees Arriving
The Aircraft Plaque The Wreath
Plaque Before The Ceremony Aircraft, Wreath, and Descriptive Plaque
Aircraft Rear Attendees Gathering
Taking Our Seats Honor Guard
Rendering Honors General's Flag
National Anthem Flag of the United States of America
Opening Prayer General Habiger
Preparing To Unveil The Memorial The Unveiling Begins
First View of the Memorial Plaque Missing Man Formation
Reading Of The Names Benediction
The Memorial Plaque Ceremony Conclusion
Gathering Around The Aircraft Solemn Moments
Honorees At The Aircraft The Whole Group
After The Ceremony Aircraft Tour 1
Aircraft Tour 2 Red "X"
Danger! Crew Chief In Cockpit! Aircraft Tour 3
Aircraft Tour 4 Aircraft Tour 5
Aircraft Tour 6 Outside The Entry Door
One Last Look
 

USAF PHOTOS

The U. S. Air Force photographer at the dedication was kind enough to give us copies of their official photographs of the event.  Bob Dugan, through the use of superior technical skill was able to get a copy of the CD for me to post.

USAF 1 USAF 2
USAF 3 USAF 4
USAF 5 USAF 6
USAF 7 USAF 8
USAF 9 USAF 10
USAF 11 USAF 12
USAF 13 USAF 14

USAF 15

USAF 16
USAF 17 USAF 18
USAF 19 USAF 20
USAF 21 USAF 22
USAF 23 USAF 24
USAF 25 USAF 26
USAF 27 USAF 28
USAF 29 USAF 30
USAF 31 USAF 32
USAF 33 USAF 34
USAF 35 USAF 36
USAF 37 USAF 38
USAF 39 USAF 40
USAF 41 USAF 42

USAF 43

USAF 44
USAF 45 USAF 46
USAF 47 USAF 48

 

Revised:
13 Jan 2009 03:31 PM