History

History Behind the Memorial

In 1999, Ellie Scarfone-Malanowski wanted to build a Memorial for the troops under the direction of the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida. Her Godfather and mentor, Richard "Dick" Leandri, was instrumental in the building of the SOCOM Memorial at MacDill, the RANGER Memorial at Fort Benning and the Military Memorial in Largo Florida plus numerous other projects for the military. Together with Julia Baker and other friends, discussion started. Almost eight years later the Memorial is being built. Seven of those years the AOR or CENTCOM'S region has been "hot" and this slows things down.

In 2001, the United States Central Command was approached by the founders to discuss the possibility of building a Memorial to honor the men and women who served in USCENTCOM. Then Commander, General Tommy R. Franks felt the idea was both commendable and necessary.

The foundation also indicated this area could be more than just a place to honor our troops. It would best serve and provide an atmosphere for reflection, and would lend itself well as a place for award presentations, promotions, and retirement ceremonies. Today, the meaning of this Memorial takes on a whole new dimension. It was planned prophetically in advance of the War in Iraqi. Who knew, or could predict, the need that this Memorial addresses.

This lead to the formation of the United States Central Command Memorial Foundation, Inc. (CENTCOM Memorial Foundation); incorporated the 10th of October 2001. The Foundation immediately began to develop the plan to design and construct a lasting monument in coordination with the 6th Air Mobility Wing and Civil Engineering Services. Meetings with the base engineers and preliminary studies finished most of 2001. In 2002 we received our IRS Tax ID number and Tax Exempt Status 501(c)(3)

General Franks was briefed and approved the concept of the Memorial. The Base approval of site plan signed off June of 2002. Community leaders were presented with the Memorial Foundation's introduction of concept at a private reception. It was warmly received. Ceremonial Ground Breaking took place in January 2003.

PRESS RELEASE

December 05, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES MEMORIAL SITE CONSTRUCTION PLANS

MACDILL AFB, FLA., Oct. 11,2002 – The U.S. Central Command Memorial Foundation has announced plans to build a memorial park to honor the men and women who have served with U.S. Central command. The memorial is slated to be built on property near the command headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla. Construction dates have not been announced.

The project’s cost is estimated at $1.5 million. The memorial will be elliptical in shape, and a structure containing the globe’s depiction of USCENTCOM’s area of responsibility will serve as the centerpiece. A light system installed below the AOR depiction will reflect the boundaries of the 25 countries that make up USCENTCOM’s AOR. Construction plans call for an ascending wall in the shape of a quarter-circle behind the centerpiece. This wall, starting at a height of approximately three feet and increasing to an apex height of eight feet, will contain the USCENTCOM seal and the words, “To honor the men and women of the United States Central Command who served the cause of peace and freedom in the Central Region.” This quarter wall will form the front of a podium and stage for command ceremonies and special events. In colors of desert brown, the entire memorial will be encircled by a wall capped with granite. A fountain will be added to an existing retention pond near the site to compliment the memorial.

Items not confirmed but under consideration for inclusion in to the project include the addition of two terra-cotta guard figures, a boulder from Afghanistan or an artifact from the Pentagon to reflect the significance and purpose of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The first basic rendering of the site was posted on USCENTCOM’s intranet to allow service men and women stationed in Afghanistan and other locations throughout the AOR the opportunity to become part of the memorial’s development. Their suggestions were considered in the final processes before the conceptual design was confirmed.

The USCENTCOM Memorial Foundation, Inc., a non-profit, federal and state registered organization, is raising money and accepting in-kind donations to fund and build the project. For more information or to make a contribution, contact:

United States Central Command Memorial Foundation, Inc.
Post Office Box 6095
MacDill AFB
Tampa, Florida 33618
(727) 799-6114
Toll Free: (877) 841-0008
www.centcommemorial.org
info@centcommemorial.org

© Copyright 2002 United States Central Command Memorial Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved