Base gathers to remember three former employees

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Friends, family and former colleagues gathered here to remember three former employees during a tree dedication ceremony at Hanscom Heroes Memorial Park July 31.

The ceremony honored the contributions of Capt. Arlene Love, Marie McClanahan and Eric Rober with trees and bronze plaques dedicated in their memory.

“Each one of them gave something of themselves to the Hanscom community,” said Col. Roman L. Hund, installation commander, speaking on the day prior to his retirement. “Each one [honored] in this park gave something of their life to Hanscom Air Force Base over the years. It’s really important that we remember that.”

Following remarks from Hund, a representative chosen by each family spoke about the impacts made by the three former Hanscom team members.

“I’m convinced I knew a legend. Arline was a legend in her own time,” said retired U.S. Air Force Col. Calvin Perry. “She holds the title of longest serving chief of RAO [Retiree Activities Office]; that’s legendary. The corps of individuals that she served was some 17,000 names on mailing lists. That’s remarkable.”

Love was the director of the Retiree Activities Office for more than 30 years. She joined the Air Force Nurse Corps during the Korean War and received her wings as a flight nurse before medically retiring.

On hand to speak about McClanahan was Maggie Wetzell, also a former employee at Hanscom.

“I am honored to represent Marie, Marie’s family and friends for this special day and dedicating this tree in her memory. I call it the tree of life, which will live on with the spirit in its branches for all seasons,” Wetzell said. “Mounted at the tree there is a plaque which states, ‘An angel and champion of diversity whose compassion, attitude and lasting contributions enriched our lives. Marie’s wish for us, be nice to one another.”

McClanahan worked at Hanscom for more than 40 years, ascending to chief of the Manpower and Organization Division before her retirement. She was also very active in the local chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, serving as the manager of AFCEA’s Diversity Program.

Thomas Schluckebier, the director of the 66th Civil Engineering Division, spoke about Rober, whom he hired soon after base officials realigned CE functions from contracted work to government employees.

“Once responsibilities were officially transferred to the new organization, Eric became the leader we needed to keep our organization moving forward,” Schluckebier said.

Rober first started working at Hanscom in 2010 in the Electronic Systems Center. He began working for the 66th Civil Engineering Division in 2012. He also served in the U.S. Air Force from 1987 to 1993.

After the remarks, three family members raised the Hanscom Heroes flag at the entrance of the park while music played.

Family members then unveiled bronze plaques at the foot of each tree planted in their loved one’s memory.

Hanscom Heroes Memorial Park opened in 1991 to recognize late members of the Hanscom community. With this year’s dedication, Memorial Park now has 75 trees dedicated to former Hanscom military and civilian personnel.