thedrifter
02-20-09, 07:01 AM
Marine Corps Air Statoin Cherry Point, N.C. —There’s no doubt the Marine Corps takes pride in its history. From a Marine’s first day in service he is taught to not only learn, but remember Marine Corps history
Cherry Point historians are making sure the air station’s past doesn’t go forgotten by catching up on old records and documenting new ones.
“Right now we are focusing on building the files from 1990 on,” said Brie Lehew, the deputy training officer and command historian for Cherry Point. “Cherry Point is the only air station that does not have a book written about its history. Right now I’m trying to fill in the gaps from 1990 to present so I can finish the book that has been started.”
In coordination with the command historian, Cherry Point Marines are being asked to come forward with any historical knowledge of the air station. Information includes the naming of buildings, location of artwork or artifacts, and oral history of the air station’s past.
“Many Marines may work in a building or live in a barracks that has been named after someone,” said Lehew. “After the headquarters building fire almost all of the documentation of these buildings was lost.”
Lehew stressed the importance of locating artwork, which may be located throughout the air station.
“Some of the artwork on the air station has been painted by Marines who served and then went on to become distinguished artists,” Lehew said. “There’s a very good chance there are paintings here on base worth thousands of dollars.”
In addition to physical documentation, oral history is of the utmost importance to the Cherry Point Historical Program. Lehew intends to bring in both retired and active Marines to tell their stories.
“It’s extremely important to keep all the records alive,” said Daniel Murphy, the historian support technician here. “Historic information makes sure we remember all the important things that have occurred here and the contributions people have made.”
Buildings such as the Jerry Marvel Training and Education Building and the street named after Maj. Gen. Paul J. Fontana are just some examples of the important contributors from Cherry Point, said Murphy.
For anyone with information or contributions to the command historians, please call 466-2557 or e-mail L.Lehew@usmc.mil or Daniel.P.Murphy1@usmc.mil.
Cherry Point historians are making sure the air station’s past doesn’t go forgotten by catching up on old records and documenting new ones.
“Right now we are focusing on building the files from 1990 on,” said Brie Lehew, the deputy training officer and command historian for Cherry Point. “Cherry Point is the only air station that does not have a book written about its history. Right now I’m trying to fill in the gaps from 1990 to present so I can finish the book that has been started.”
In coordination with the command historian, Cherry Point Marines are being asked to come forward with any historical knowledge of the air station. Information includes the naming of buildings, location of artwork or artifacts, and oral history of the air station’s past.
“Many Marines may work in a building or live in a barracks that has been named after someone,” said Lehew. “After the headquarters building fire almost all of the documentation of these buildings was lost.”
Lehew stressed the importance of locating artwork, which may be located throughout the air station.
“Some of the artwork on the air station has been painted by Marines who served and then went on to become distinguished artists,” Lehew said. “There’s a very good chance there are paintings here on base worth thousands of dollars.”
In addition to physical documentation, oral history is of the utmost importance to the Cherry Point Historical Program. Lehew intends to bring in both retired and active Marines to tell their stories.
“It’s extremely important to keep all the records alive,” said Daniel Murphy, the historian support technician here. “Historic information makes sure we remember all the important things that have occurred here and the contributions people have made.”
Buildings such as the Jerry Marvel Training and Education Building and the street named after Maj. Gen. Paul J. Fontana are just some examples of the important contributors from Cherry Point, said Murphy.
For anyone with information or contributions to the command historians, please call 466-2557 or e-mail L.Lehew@usmc.mil or Daniel.P.Murphy1@usmc.mil.