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Vision of one becomes reality for all

  • Published
  • By Kevin Chandler
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  As construction crews start placing concrete pads on the parade ground, the vision of Col. David Allvin, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, is finally becoming reality. When the project is completed there will be two static aircraft displays on the east end of the field and a formal stage on the west end.

The first of the static displays will house the C-141 Starlifter, and should be completed sometime this winter. According to Rich Guinan, wing historian, base leadership has been trying to find a proper home for the aircraft for almost 12 years. The second display will hold a KC-135A Stratotanker, the rights to which were recently obtained from Sheppard Air Force Base.

Additionally, there is the possibility of adding shrubs, trees and perhaps a gazebo to make the area a comfortable gathering spot. All possibilities are being considered to ensure they comply with the base 2030 Plan, the blueprint for Altus' future. "A lot of thought is being put into locations, appearance and weather considerations," Mr. Guinan said. "The Civil Engineering Squadron is really driving this project."

While CE has been instrumental in design and construction, the original idea and commitment to see it happen came from elsewhere. Jon Decker, 97th CE programs flight chief, say that Colonel Allvin had the foresight and his passion brought everyone else on board. "After he spoke to us, I came back and talked to other people in CE to see what we could do," he explained.

Staff Sgt. Evan Goss took the idea and combined it with his own picture for the future.
"I envisioned a place where we could do ceremonies and wing PT -- something bigger and better than what we have," he said.
While plans were being created for a simple flagpole, Sergeant Goss drew up plans for a full stage. "When the flight chief saw them [the design] he said 'show me more of that.' So that's what we went with," Sergeant Goss said. He presented the plans to Colonel Allvin the day before deploying overseas.
The colonel approved, and the project moved forward.

With the help of Cort Campbell, engineering tech supervisor, Sergeant Goss continued work on the design while deployed. "We just ran with Evan's idea," Mr. Campbell said. "It changed a few times, it's kind of snowballed from the original."
One of the unique features added to the design is the use of brilliant blue granite to accent the stage. "We've had this in the warehouse for a few years," said Mr. Decker. "We just needed the right project to use it."

As the Wichita Falls construction team works on the parade grounds throughout the winter, the project will become the central feature of Altus Air Force Base