“Walk of Fame” gets a lift

Published Sept. 21, 2007
By Senior Airman Danielle Johnson
305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- McGuire's "Walk of Fame" was officially rededicated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday at the base flag pole following renovations that gave the memorial a lift, literally.

Previously, the bricks were level with the ground, so they weren't very noticeable from the street, said Master Sgt. Donald Meador, 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. There were also problems with the grounds maintenance personnel mowing over it when they were cutting the grass.

So the McGuire Top 3, which initiated the commemorative brick program, raised money for renovations through personal donations by the Top 3 members. Volunteers from all three McGuire Airman organizations - Top 3, McGuire 56 and Airman Activity Council - then disassembled the brick formation, raised the ground level underneath and reassembled the bricks in their original shape of an eagle in flight.

"The bricks and the 'Walk of Fame' symbolize two key areas," said Sergeant Meador. "One is that our predecessors paved the way for us. We walk in the footsteps of many great leaders and, in our own way, try to emulate them and pave the way for others to come behind us. No great leader of today got there without following in the footsteps of someone else. And we hope that those who follow behind us will be even great than we were. Second, there are extensive museums in place for air planes, missiles, equipment, etc., but not ones that recognize the day-to-day leaders."

"My hope for the 'Walk of Fame' is that people of today can remember those who came before us and see the impact and legacy they left behind," Sergeant Meador said. "This should motivate them to consider their own legacy and impact."

The previous brick formation was completed in September of 2005, while the very first commemorative bricks were purchased in 1992 and placed along the sidewalk that runs from the Family Support Center to Pudgy Circle.

The commemorative bricks are available for purchase by any McGuire member for someone who is separating or retiring who has honorably served during a time of war or who has served a minimum of 20 years of honorable service. The Top 3 donates 25 percent of the cost to the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Foundation.

For more information, or to purchase a commemorative brick, McGuire members should visit the Web site at https://private.mcguire.amc.af.mil/intrainfo/top3/Pages/Brick.html