VFW 12124 Honors Public Service Agencies

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12124 held an Appreciation Award Ceremony for the Police Department, Fire Department, and Sheriff's department for their participation in helping bring home the F-4 Phantom Jet to the East MS Veterans Memorial Park.

"We're here today to show our appreciation to the Police Department, Fire Department, and Sheriff's Department for their participation in bringing home the Phantom Jet to rest here where it was originally flown. In fact, one of our Deputy Sheriffs was the backseat pilot in that very jet," stated Richard Lancaster, Judge Advocate General for Post 12124.

The Fire Department, The Meridian Police Department, and The Lauderdale Sheriff’s Department were honored with certificates of appreciation for their roles in escorting the f-4 phantom jet to its home.

"We have a pedestal out there by Key Field where it's now setting. It's been painted just like it was when it was here," said Lancaster.

"Well, this is great. By being involved with both organizations, I have a guess like a double whammy of enjoyment from it. To see an airplane out of Key Field that i spent 13 years working on, taking the engines out now and then being involved with the VFW, trying to help get this done," stated Danny Smith, Quartermaster.

This was only the first step for the Veteran's Memorial Park, Danny Smith shares what the next steps are for the Park.

"Well, next in that process is going to be our Wall of Remembrance. It's very similar to the Vietnam wall that you have in Washington. It will have 12 by 12 plaques of marble on it. For each individual that has served in the military," said Smith.