Completing the Vietnam Project
Retired Lt. Colonel Gene Smith at the installation of “Roll Over the Hilton.”
The project to commemorate an historic moment in the Vietnam War is both finished and just beginning. Finished because the original piece of art has now been installed in the Pilot Training Facility at the Columbus Air Force Base in Columbus, MS; beginning in that the original will remind pilots-in-training for years to come of the bravery of two soldiers and because prints will be sold over time to benefit the Maine Military Museum and Learning Center.
The painting and a marble plaque engraved with the story was presented by Lt. Colonel Gene Smith, who once commanded the base, to the current commander of the base. In the accompanying photo, Lt. Colonel Smith, stands in front of the photo during the presentation. The commander chose this spot to hang the painting because as pilots pass out of the training rooms, they will walk by the installation each day and be reminded of the bravery of Lt. Colonel Smith and Lt. Colonel John Chancellor. These men are leaving a legacy to those who will choose to serve our country in the future.
We created 12 signed and numbered limited edition prints which were signed by Lt. Colonels Smith and Chancellor and me. These prints are being sold for $1,000 each, and all proceeds will go directly to the Maine Military Museum. In addition, a site has been set up through the museum where anyone can order non-limited edition prints in a variety of sizes and price points, with all proceeds going directly to the museum.
Over the last year and a half, it has been my extreme honor to get to know these men. I want to also express my appreciation to John Pearson and his son, Brian, who invited me to be part of this and were the driving forces to honor the service of these two veterans and veterans in general. Finally, I want to recognize and thank Kelley Sanford, my virtual assistant and amazing artist, who guided us all through this project.
God bless our country and all the men and women who have served her in the past and in the future!