Two former personnel to be inducted into Memorial Park

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
Two former Hanscom personnel whose lives and accomplishments were an integral part of the community will be inducted into Memorial Park, next to the clinic, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Thomas J. Schubmehl and retired Army Lt. Col. William J. Powers Sr. will each be honored with a tree and bronze plaque dedicated in their memory.

"As we all know, many of our inductees are laid to rest at different locations across the country, but having this tribute gives many of the family and friends in the immediate area somewhat of a continual connection," said Bobby Jacques, ceremony organizer. "It's not uncommon to see balloons, photos and notes left at the plaques of our Hanscom heroes."

In 1991, officials at Hanscom decided to take one day to pay tribute to the deceased members of the community whose service to the Air Force and to Team Hanscom were to be recognized and honored. Schubmehl and Powers will be the 65th and 66th members of the park.

Powers served in the U.S. Army from March 1941 to May 1961. Prior to coming to Hanscom as a civilian, he was the Administrative Security Branch chief and a member of the Inspector General office for the Air Defense Command at Stewart AFB, N.Y.

Powers began working here Jan. 3, 1970, as the Administration and Reports Branch chief for the 3245th Security Police Squadron. He was then assigned as Information Security chief on July 12, 1990, with the Electronics Systems Division Acquisition Security Directorate. Powers, a long-time resident of Chelmsford, Mass., passed away Dec. 1, 2011.

Schubmehl joined the Air Force in 1969. In 1973 he was assigned to the 3245th Air Base Group at Hanscom as the NCO in charge of the Separations and Retirements Branch. He went on to serve in various other roles and in 1984 Schubmehl was selected to be the Personnel chief for the 3501st, later named 360th Air Force Recruiting Group, here.

Following his active duty retirement in 1993, Schubmehl continued to serve for an additional 19 years as a Human Resource director, supporting numerous organizations at the Electronic Systems Center, both as a defense contractor and as a government civilian. He passed away March 1, 2012.

"This park inspirationally reminds us of the values and ideals for which our Hanscom heroes stood tall," said Jacques.

All Hanscom personnel are invited to attend the ceremony.