WE ARE PUSHING AHEAD!
FUNDING NEEDED FOR PHASE TWO - LETS GET STARTED
WE ARE...
The USCENTCOM Memorial Foundation, Inc., a non-profit, federal and Florida State registered organization, in compliance with code 501 [C] [3]. We are publicly funded, and accept donations to complete the Memorial at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida.
No taxpayer dollars or Federal grants were used other than the land the Memorial is built on, as supplied by the US Air Force.
After a four year hiatus bowing to the priorities and needs of our armed forces, we are cranked up again to finish the project. We wish to make it very clear as you peruse through our website, that our organization might be small in numbers, but we are big in heart. We have been at this for eleven years and our Foundation is about the "TROOPS". It is not about specific units, branches of service, rank, our board, or individuals. Our focus is clear and defined, we serve and recognize the "TROOPS" and those who have paid the ultimate price in service to their country under the Central Command. They are all heroes...
Also we believe transparency is the concept of removing all barriers to —and the facilitating of— free and easy public access to our tax-exempt corporate information and the laws, rules, social graces and processes. It is our purpose to keep you informed. All of our funds have be raised by donation and we are stewards of those funds. With that said, any information about our Corporation, the Memorial, its Membership and Personnel may be obtained by writing to the Directors, the President or the Board Secretary. Other personnel, or those making claims, and not not a director are not authorized to make statements.
WE HAVE A UNIQUE SITUATION
This is one of the two unique Memorials actually being utilized for ceremonies and almost completed before all the troops have come home. That in itself makes them very special places. The WWII and the Vietnam Wall took a half century to recognize, design, build, and complete. CENTCOM'S brother-in-arms Memorial, the SOCOM Memorial is about a half mile away also located on MacDill AFB. Mr. Richard Leandri initiated the SOCOM Memorial. These two Memorials represent two of the most strategic elements of the United States Armed Forces and we are fortunate to have them here in Tampa Bay.
The war effort turned things upside down. When our project started in 2001, the KIA count at that time was measured in a few hundred. Today the KIA toll is over 6500+ and the wounded count is at 47,000+. Our project represents one side of the heavy price the troops have paid. It also means we have to upgrade the project in terms of the finishing accoutrements to reflect the current themes and in modern terms 'the branding" and the significant changes to the base.
But eleven years is long enough and yes, today we have challenges on the plate. But, we are gaining support every day. We lost our architect and friend who gave so much, he passed away, and his former partner has stepped in to assist. Personnel from our contractor team are back on board helping us with the modernization and upgrading.
WE ARE RECRUITING PARTNERS
The call went out for support from the other groups working within our theatre. Logistically, we needed some support in terms of just having good hands, good advice, and friends on deck. The first to offer help with the fundraising campaign to complete the project, in development was MOAA, the Military Officers Association of America. We are pleased to announce that we are now an "initiative" of the MOAA organization's Tampa chapter and working through MOAA nationally is almost 370,000 strong and the work they do is incredible.
As an initiative of MOAA, we welcome their camaraderie in this project for the troops. Their Tampa chapter supports the troops, especially the critically wounded at the Haley hospital in Tampa. Their unique and specialized project is called Operation Helping Hand of Tampa Bay. Their website explains what they do and it's a great story. Nationally the MOAA organization is a plethora of good deeds and good people doing whats right for this country. Just click on their logo.
It's never too late to become part of a great project, ten years proves that, and we need your help. The Central Command Memorial structure is 90% complete at MacDill AFB. It stands proudly in front of two new additions to MacDill, namely the CentCom building and the Joint Intelligence Command Headquarters Building, part of the growth and revitalization of MacDill AFB.
WHY SO LONG?
As explained in detail on the time line page, we have had an uphill battle in the completion of this Memorial. This was the tough part with delays arising from the needs of the war extending as long as we have been in existence, in fact we were planning the Memorial before 9-11.
Priorities to sum it up in one word. The needs of the United States military take precedence. Just when we got to make friends with those in the Command, it seems the personnel we worked with were deployed or re-assigned to the AOR theatre. We had many friends and some didn't come home. Thats what our job is all about. They will be remembered. It has taken almost eleven years, six CENTCOM Commanders, four Base Commanders, since the project was first envisioned and hopefully we will finish it on their watch with your help.
The story so far does have a hint at a happy ending. By biding our time, not by choice, our position actually improved. We will be situated in close proximity to the two main buildings instead of one WWII looking old facility. Construction of the new Centcom building, a virtual twin of the JICCENT building is completed and is occupied. They are beautiful and really stand out.
The two buildings are mirror - like images. We have two beautiful lakes on either side of the memorial with water aeration, and a beautiful wooden bridge over the East pond, fitting in perfectly in both size and architectural composition. Pictures are scattered throughout this website. New photos will be added as soon as the parking areas and security building is completed.
It adds a tremendous amount of depth to the project. The host engineering services provided by the 6th Air Wing were exemplary. When you see the memorial nested between the lakes, at the foot of the twin CENTCOM and JICCENT Headquarters, you will sense the breathtaking, dominant and strength within, making the total picture right. The last phase of the rebuilding will be adequate secure parking for the facility.
YOU ARE OUR HEROS
A special thank you to our patrons and friends who realized we have had many pressing moments these past few years. You have a supported the Memorial foundation with patience, friendship and loyalty. You have been the heroes. You have helped us through this long process. Again, thank you ALL for your patience and support. It has taken five times longer than expected, but we are diligent and pressing forth at every opportunity. We are officially starting the fundraising to upgrade and complete the project. It is often said "Tampa loves the Military and the Military loves Tampa".
RECRUITING OFFER
Selected corporations and individuals who wish to be part of the those who recognize the sacrifice these soldiers have made and help bring their names into perpetuity may contact us at any time. Published on the contributor page are those folks and corporations who have stood with us.
Other organizations such as those supporting Wounded Veterans may wish to work side by side with us as we are all part of the total picture. War produces survivors, wounded and those that paid the ultimate price. Our Memorial covers only part of the equation. By supporting each other we will truly come full circle leaving no one out. We need your help and we need it now.
Mrs. Ellie Scarfone-Malanowski
President, Chairman of the Board, Director
• 727-460 -6507 •
info@centcommemorial.org
Alan Jacobson - Secretary, Director
Public Relations, Website, Local Construction
• 727-812-8101 • FAX (727) 231-0969 •
David L. Troup - Treasurer, Director
NEW OFFICIAL MAILBOX
US CENTCOM Memorial Foundation
POST OFFICE BOX 47157
ST. PETERSBURG, FL. 33743