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VOL. 80 • NO. 11
Nick Raab
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018
Northwest Illinois Aerial Combat Memorial nears reality By John Day
CORRESPONDENT
A few weeks ago there was a meeting between a small group of veterans that had an idea to create a memorial in Lena featuring an F4 Phantom fighter bomber as the centerpiece. Three veterans in particular became the driving force for this idea and found that an aircraft could be obtained from the United States government, General Services Administration hardware inventory. Terry Yount, Henry Saavedra and Terry Cowan went to work to give this idea their best shot. With less than a month left to complete an application process these guys began pulling things together. They reached out to other veterans for help and spoke to local officials.
Stranded
The Lena American Legion and Auxiliary became involved and citizens from all walks of life began offering support. Lena Village Board President, Dennis Bergman committed his support and asked all of the other village agencies to take a look at what each could do to help. Against all odds, on March 1 Terry Yount and Lena Village Board President Dennis Bergman were notified by Mike Likar, Illinois Department of Central Management Services that the Lena group’s application had been approved. The group is now entitled to take possession of an F4 Fighter. Yount said, “There were two F4’s in the Federal Surplus Property Program and we got one. “As part of our application process we’ve proven that we have commit-
ments from a number of people that will help us begin the work necessary to put the craft on display. That’s going to start with getting the thing to Lena. We’ve already had conversations with Lobdell Trucking. They’re going to look at what needs to be done to get the plane here and help however they can. We’ll also have to find a temporary home for the plane until we can place it on the display site. Ironically, this particular plane, bearing its’ original tail number, 0450, had been scheduled to be used as a drone and shot down while testing new defense systems and combat training. We’re lucky to be getting it.” Terry Cowan’s part in this story adds another odd twist. Cowan was a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from
1976 to 1980 and assigned to Moody Air Force Base near Valdosta, Georgia. Moody was home to a squadron of F4 Phantoms at the time, hence, Cowan’s interest in the F4 project. It was a heart stopper for Cowan when he was told of the application approval and learned that the tail number of the plane was 0450. Cowan said, “This was one of the aircraft for which I had the responsibility of maintaining. This particular plane had a lengthy career and had seen service in different parts of the world. There is really a very powerful, personal connection here. It’s difficult to express my feelings. I look forward to being a part of this project and seeing it move forward.” Henry Saavedra is continuing to make contact with other veterans
groups in towns both large and small, across several counties in order to line up support. Village Board President, Dennis Bergman was pleased to hear that Lena will be receiving the F4. Bergman said, “I was elated. There’s still much to do, such as landscaping, electrical work and other things, but we’re going to be ready. The entire village board and every village agency is fully supportive.” The agreed upon official name for the entity is the Northwest Illinois Aerial Combat Memorial. Yount said, “Everyone involved is excited. This is, however, just the beginning. We have to get the F4 to Lena and start resolving all kinds of issues. I’m confident, having seen the support thus far, that we’ll get this done. There will be an open meeting on March 19 at 7 p.m. at the Lena American Legion Hall 316 Main Street. The public is welcome. Look for updates as things progress. Terry Yount can be contacted at email tdyltc46@ yahoo.com. Terry Cowan can be reached at 815-541-6818.
Lena Historical Society to stage train program
The Lena Historical Society will host a program featuring trains on Sunday, March 18, at 2 p.m. Jerry Pyfer win present “Tales of the Illinois Central Gulf” and “We Didn’t Always Haul Freight”, Jerry was employed by the Milwaukee Road and then the Illinois Central Gulf for ten years. He has had a love for trains since he was two years old and serves as President of the North Western Illinois’ Chapter of the National’ Railway Historical Society. The program will take place the Lena Historical Museum 427 Grove St. Lena, Illinois. Admission is free. SAM MOLINA PHOTO Shopper’s Guide
Orangeville Junior and Senior High School students bring Stranded, a three act play by Megan Orr to the stage. (located inside Spirit)
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