Hanscom to induct three into Memorial Park

  • Published
  • By J.C. Corcoran
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  It began in 1991 when Hanscom decided to take one day out of each year and pay tribute to deceased members of the community whose service to the Air Force and to Hanscom were to be recognized and honored.

In their memory, a tree is planted in Memorial Park and a bronze plaque bearing their name will forever stand in remembrance of their contributions to the base.

This year, the names of three such individuals will be enshrined at Memorial Park in tribute. Both family and friends will gather together on September 19 at 10 a.m. at the gazebo in Memorial Park, located behind the 66th Medical Group, to remember each of these individuals in a moving ceremony that is open to the entire base community.

Those being remembered include:

Ellen Roe Piazza (1951-2007). From 1996 to 1998 Colonel and Mrs Piazza served as the Wing Commander and first-lady of Hanscom. Mrs. Piazza, active in the community, served tirelessly as advisor to the Enlisted Wives Club and on a number of additional projects to help Hanscom's Airmen and their families. Highly respected Ellen had, from 1983 to 1989, worked as a speechwriter for three successive Air Force Systems Command commanders and later, from 1989 to 1994, for three Secretaries of the Air Force. She was adored by the people and friends who knew her and remembered amongst other things, for her amazing sense of humor.

Judith Keith (1938 - 2006). Judith Keith joined federal service in 1974 and began her career with the General Services Administration. She came to Hanscom in 1981 and worked as a financial specialist and budget analyst assigned to the Electronic Systems Center Financial Management Functional Support Office. She was responsible for all budgetary and programming functions in support of the Air Force's $31.5 million ESC Industrial Resources program; the Small Business Innovative Research Program, the Cooperative Research and Development Program; and, Royalty Funds. While at Hanscom, she volunteered her time serving as a member of the Persons with Disabilities Committee and helped to institutionalize improvements in workplace safety for all.

Paula Dean (1946 - 2007). Paula Dean began her career at Hanscom in January 1987 as a typist which served only as a stepping stone that led to her expertise in the use and application of automation tools in the work environment. As she sharpened her skills, she became "the person" to go to and was "by name" requested to serve on several source selection teams due to the reputation of her proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office tools and her expertise in graphics. Paula often reached out to our junior enlisted force volunteering her time in running events that ranged from fund raisers to organizational activities and morale boosters, all in an effort to enhance the quality of life for Hanscom Airmen whenever she could. Her many contributions and achievements led to her being presented the Meritorious Achievement Award in 2001.

All members of the Hanscom community are invited to join with base leaders, family and friends in remembering and honoring the contributions of these individuals at the formal induction ceremony.