Dobbins POW MIA Memorial Park

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June 23, 2008 - A new jogging and walking trial was dedicated at Dobbins ARB on June 5. Called "Conners Way," the trail goes from the Consolidated Club to the Base Exchange. It also provides walkers access to a running track and a route to the Dobbins POW/MIA Memorial Park. Click here for photos and information about the trail and the man to whom it's dedicated.

Sept 29, 2008 - In a Sept. 6th ceremony, members of the 94th Civil Engineer Squadron placed a monument and plaque in the Dobbins POW/MIA park. Several former members of the squadron, including Col. Stephen West, were on hand for the dedication. Click here for photos of the dedication.

On Sept 26, we had a great turnout for the dedication of the Vietnam POW/MIA memorial plaque. Presided over by Chief Master Sgt. Sandra Wright of the 80th Aerial Port Squadron, guests at the hour-long ceremony heard from a number of groups and Vietnam POW Lt. Col. James Williams from Tucker, Georgia. We'll add more information soon about the dedication and the 459th Bombardment Group dedication the same day.

Jan. 4, 2008 - Last year we went up against mother nature in adding to the park's foliage. We had planned to plant several large oak trees at the World War II monument. But, with the North Georgia drought and watering restrictions, the sponsor of the first trees, the Air Force Sergeants Association, requested that we wait to begin the planting until we could be more assured that our trees would be properly watered. The 25-foot tall trees were to provide some shade for visitors. We're on hold until this fall and we're hoping that the drought restrictions are removed.

Sept 21, 2007 - As a breeze whips park flags (below), 94th Airlift Wing Commander, Colonel Heath Nuckolls, and retired Army Colonel William J. Richardson, Jr., unveil the Korean War memorial plaque at the Dobbins POW/MIA Memorial Park. Colonel Richardson was held as a prisoner of war for 34 months in North Korea. Fifty four years earlier on this date, he was released as a prisoner of war. Click the Korean War Plaque Dedication link for more about the ceremony.

July 28, 2007 - Randy and Rick Sailors from Mableton Marble and Granite unload one of the four monuments they delivered to the park today. The monuments are placed on a six-inch base that Randy (left) is guiding down. The granite has a rough finish to match the walls and is a little lighter to add contrast to the area. This monument is going in front of the World War I wall. Only the World War II monument has a plaque on it, and the Korean War monument plaque will be installed after the September tree planting ceremony.

On the left, Chief Master Sgt. Mike Boozer from the 22nd Air Force discusses the park layout with Randy Sailors. The Dobbins Chiefs Group is providing the decorations for the park, including the monuments and plaques.

Below, on the left, all four monuments are almost in place as the WW1 monument at the lowest level of the park is placed. Above the WWI monument is the WW II monument with it's plaque, then the Korean War, and at the top, the Vietnam monument that will be dedicated in Sept 2008.

It was a hot, muggy day and our park sponsors (Randy and Rick, immediately below) worked hard to really brightened up the area. It was a good day for the park, just like its dedication and its ceremonies.