The power of volunteers

What a difference a dedicated, hard-working group of volunteers can make. This was shown last week with the installation and completion of the Forgotten Heroes Memorial at Grant County International Airport.

The granite and basalt memorial honors those aboard the C-124A Globemaster crash in 1952, in which 87 airmen perished at the then Larson Air Force Base near Moses Lake. There were 115 passengers on board.

The air crash was an enormous tragedy, affecting many families and friends of Air Force personnel for years to come. The incident left parents without their adult children, children without fathers, and wives without husbands.

Those stricken by the tragedy didn't have a dedicated place to remember their loved ones near the site of the crash.

Until now, thanks to the tenacity of the Heroes Remembered Committee members, comprised of representatives from the Moses Lake Lions Club, Million Air Moses Lake, American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Jackson Flight Center, Veteran's Coalition of Grant County, Fairchild Air Force Base, Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce and Port of Moses Lake.

They are Mike Bellgardt, Jeniel Cramer, Joann Hosszu, Scott Carver, Dr. Steven Creviston, Ron Baker, Mike Conley, Larry Godden, Rex Rogers, Ruezhon (Johnnie) Rogers, Darrin Jackson, Peter Morris, Bob Heppner, Shawn Mayo, Debbie Doran-Martinez, Craig Baldwin, Rich Mueller, Steve Harwell, Grant Oberg, Larry Wheat, Calvin Sylvester, Lon Drapey, Stephen Hosszu and Steven Cramer. The project was definitely a team effort, with the concrete work done by Columbia Basin Job Corps students.

Many more people we don't know the names of were likely involved with the project, either directly or indirectly, whom we also thank. Countless hands and connections make a project of this magnitude a success, whether it is merely an introduction to the right person or brainstorming ideas with friends.

Their efforts involved an 18-month long process of design work, fundraising and site selection. They raised about $20,0000 for the granite memorial. They stuck with the task until a successful completion, recognizing both those who perished and survived the crash. We also thank the many donors who helped make the project possible.

It is impressive donors stepped up to the plate at this time, especially when our country is still recovering from a recession that has left many unemployed and businesses closed.

Their genenour donations leave behind a physical reminder of the event, which also features a printed summary of the crash on one of the memorial's panels.

"With a loss of 87 lives, the globemaster crash was at the time, the highest fatality accident in the history of aviation," according to the memorial's narrative.

Military members and civilians responded to the crash, leaving behind another group of affected people.

Another example of volunteerism was demonstrated with the brand-new "Take pride in Larson" community cleanup event at the former Larson Air Force Base housing area.

Community leaders representing the private, educational and government sectors picked up 40 gallons of trash, cleaning the streets and greatly improving the appearance of the area.

We thank all those involved with remembering Larson's past and improving its future with the improvements and beautification efforts. Both efforts could result in more visitors to our area, a greater recognition of the past and an improved quality of life for residents.

We are impressed community leaders are so forward thinking and anticipate great things to come.

- Editorial board