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Eagle Scout Project Honors USAF 48th FW Heritage
by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jessi Monte
March 14,
2021
The Liberty Wing has a rich history dating back to before World
War II. Decades of service members have walked the grounds and
played their role in shaping the 48th Fighter Wing as it stands
today.
Cole Heard, son of U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Heard, 48th Fighter
Wing Chief of Plans and Programs, had the vision to honor that
history by building a heritage arch.
Construction on the arch began at RAF Lakenheath on February 27,
2021 and it was assembled at its final location standing between the
Strike Eagle Complex and the flightline on March 6, 2021.
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Scout Troop 215, Lakenheath High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps and over 50 volunteers worked to construct a heritage arch on the path to the flightline at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 6, 2021. The arch was built as an Eagle Scout project, an opportunity for a Scout to demonstrate leadership abilities while completing a project for the benefit of their community. (Courtesy Photo)
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After construction was complete, Col. Jason Camiletti, 48th
Fighter Wing commander, and Cole officially presented the arch to
the wing through a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The arch was built as Cole’s Eagle Scout project, an opportunity
for a Scout to demonstrate leadership abilities while completing a
project for the benefit of their community. It was the combined
effort of Troop 215, the Lakenheath High School Junior Reserve
Officers' Training Corps, and over 50 additional volunteers.
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U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Camilletti, 48th Fighter Wing commander, and Cole Heard, son of Lt. Colonel Jason Heard, 48th Fighter Wing Chief of Plans and Programs, cut the ribbon to signify the official opening of the heritage arch outside the Strike Eagle Complex at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 6, 2021. The arch was built as an Eagle Scout project, an opportunity for a Scout to demonstrate leadership abilities while completing a project for the benefit of their community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessi Monte)
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The arch is constructed from solid oak beams and weighs over
2,500 pounds. The support beams are adorned with museum panels
showcasing the Liberty Wing history. They are also painted with the
classic “invasion stripes” like the ones painted on the 48th FW
aircraft that flew in WWII during D-Day on June 6, 1944.
The cross beam at the top of the arch reminds
Airmen and Aircrew that the “Fight’s On” as they walk toward the
flightline, and to “Stand Tall” as they return.
“It serves
as a call to action for Airmen to be ready for any fight, anywhere,
anytime,” said Cole. “The fight for readiness and eventual victory
begins through this arch.”
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Left - Aircrew assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron step through the NEW heritage arch on their way to their aircraft at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 8, 2021.
Right - U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Justin Sanchez, 48th
Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, walks under the
heritage arch toward the flightline at Royal Air Force
Lakenheath, England, March 8, 2021. Liberty Wing aircrew and
Airmen will walk under this arch on their way to carry out
the 48th Fighter Wing mission for years to come. (Image
created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Jessi Monte)
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The cross beam will also contain a
time capsule filled with photos and mementos from members of the
Liberty Wing community.
Born on RAF Lakenheath and stationed
here for four of his dad’s assignments as a fighter pilot, Cole said
he came up with the idea because he wanted to give something back to
the base he loves.
“It will be a lasting tribute dedicated
to all Liberty Airmen past, present, and future,” said Cole. “I hope
it will inspire them as they go to carry out the 48th FW mission
every day.”
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