DICKSON, Tenn. (WTVF) — A piece of military history is being saved thanks to some volunteers in Dickson.
The 2,000 pound steel sign that was once displayed at the 101st Airborne Division headquarters in Afghanistan, was spotted in a scrap pile by a member of a demolition crew at Fort Campbell. The individual reached out to family member, Richard Lee, who was a member of the 101st and involved in the Dickson VFW to see if the post had any interest in the sign.
“It’s a part of history,” said Jim O’Neill, Commander of the Dickson VFW Post. “We would be honored to display it.”
With the help of a crane, large trailer and volunteers, the sign was rescued and made its way to its new home at the Dickson VFW post on Marshall Stuart Drive.
“I was proud to be a Screaming Eagle when we found this thing and got it back here,” said Richard Lee.
People from across the Dickson community volunteered their time to paint and restore the sign. On Monday, Chris Corder was busy putting a fresh coat of paint on the Screaming Eagles logo. Area companies Cooper Steel, SNS Wrecker and Hickory Steel also donated supplies to move and hang the sign.
“We’ve had an outpouring of support from across our county in support of the sign,” said O’Neill.
The sign is 14 feet high and 10 feet wide. Once it is painted and refurbished, it will be displayed so it can be seen from the road. O’Neill estimated that would happen by the end of next week.
“So many people from Fort Campbell retired in this area,” said O’Neill. “I think it will be something our kids will enjoy and everyone else will enjoy.”
