The journey is continuing on our mission to move Medal of Honor Recipient Captain Lance Sijan’s F4C-Phantom Jet to its new location at the entrance to General Billy Mitchell International Airport in the Spring of 2017.
To see a video of the first part of the mission, click here.
A dream becomes a reality when the hearts and minds of hundreds join in stewardship. Donations from across the nation in tandem with local contractors still hear the call to pay respect and honor to one single individual that gave his all. There is a little of Lance Sijan in all of us.
Let’s meet some of the “Heroes Behind the Hero” who are actively working to make the mission possible and what moved them to raise their hands to help.
Rupert Kotze of Kotze Construction
It’s a question of duty. And it’s a question of providing for the future. We’re all here because of what went before us. So we have to demonstrate to the ones who are going to come after us that we respected the ones before us, we acknowledge them, and we are thankful to them.
Joe Ruddell of All Crane
One of our main focuses at Dawes – and within the ALL Family of Companies – is to be the best at what we do as leaders in both the industry and our communities. That’s why we were touched by the story of Captain Lance Sijan, who demonstrated his leadership by giving the ultimate sacrifice for the entire country. We are extremely proud to be part of a community that recognizes individuals like Lance, and have been privileged to count ourselves as part of the team who made this project possible.
Wade Roberts of Pieper Electric
People come into your life every day, some make lasting impressions.
So I will start my story with Paul Marshall of Marshall Erecting—Paul is a person you will want to work with, his ethics, humility, passion, integrity and honesty is what attract you to Paul, these qualities is why I have worked with Paul for the last 20 years. When Paul asked if I would be part of this adventure, I may have hesitated for about 2 seconds before saying, we are in, when can we start, what do you need to move forward.
Then I was introduced to Janine Sijan-Rozina, we sat down and she told me the story behind her brother, his commitment to his country, United States Air Force and family. That is when I knew we were moving a plane to honor a hero.
I have been blessed to have a great team here at Pieper Electric. When explaining the relocation of the F4 for Lance Sijan to the managers, I was humbled by how many said, we are in just let us know, we want to be part of the relocation to honor Lance. That type of passion to help others is what drives success and myself.
Paul Marshall of Marshall Erecting
I don’t know who wouldn’t want to be a part of a project like this. It’s truly an honor. It’s something to talk about for your whole life. I am constantly asked what’s happening with this job. Projects like this come around once in a lifetime and I wouldn’t miss it.
Peter Pakalski of GRC Granite
We are committed to providing talent and resources in support of our Nations’ Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.
Our support of the CPT. Lance P. Sijan Memorial Plaza is an honor.
We admire the Sijan Family and are humbled by Lance’s courage and spirit which has touched countless lives yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Tom Pluster of the Flag Center
In May of 2003, we were approached by Arlington Cemetery to provide and install a flagpole at the grave side of Lance. At that time, I was unaware of your his story, but after talking with the folks at the cemetery, I was moved and humbled hearing of his dedication and sacrifice on behalf of his (our) country. Thirteen years later, Lance’s legacy brings us together. I am of Lance’s generation and while I did not have the privilege to serve, his service and sacrifice in our generation’s war continues to touch me so many years later.
Our family has owned Flag Center for twenty three years. Our business gives us the opportunity to have met thousands of veterans, and current military and civilian service members and their families. And each one has a story. They truly are the backbone of our country.
We are proud and grateful that we are part of this project. The flagpole that we are providing and installing will be an ongoing reminder to us that we are most fortunate and blessed to live in the United States… Thanks to your brother and all who have served. God bless them all.
Phil Purpero of CW Purpero
I was asked to help with the grading work that will be needed as part of the Sijan Plaza project in Milwaukee. From what I knew about Captain Lance Sijan it was clear this was a special opportunity. Simply stated, he was one of our own in many ways who in the end represents the very best in us. This is the legacy we honor with this dedication to him and all who have served.
Chris Kujawa of KEI
Milwaukee is a small town so I had heard some chatter about the project, but only little bits and pieces here and there. Having grown up around the airport, I was familiar with the F4 Phantom fighter jet on College Avenue and knew a little bit about Lance’s story, his service, his capture and his heroic efforts that led to the Congressional Medal of Honor. It’s an extraordinary story, yet in a way typical of so many other stories of other “Lance Sijans” from other similar families from small towns and neighborhoods all around us. Lance could have easily been my neighbor, or friend, or brother. I think that’s what makes his story resonate with so many people.
Anyway, so I’m in my office one day and the receptionist says…”There’s a Janine Sijan here to see you”. I thought I recognized the name “Sijan”, but I had never met Janine until that moment. Janine was great. She was so appreciative of my willingness to take a moment to meet her and give her an audience for her amazing story.
I listened to her and I don’t think it took much more than about 5 seconds after she paused for me to say “We’re in”. I think Janine was slightly put on pause for a moment…and recovered with a little quizzical response that, “there wasn’t even a plan or scope yet?” I remember the look on Janine’s face when I said…”Janine, it doesn’t matter, we’re in. This is nothing compared to what Lance did.”
Craig Marifke of ZS
My draw to this story comes from the book Flags of our Fathers. There is a quote in the book that states:
“Today the word “hero” has been diminished and confused with “celebrity.” But in my father’s generation the word meant something. Celebrities seek fame. They take actions to get attention. Most often, the actions they take have no particular moral content. Heroes are heroes because they have risked something to help others. Their actions involve courage. Often, those heroes have been indifferent to the public’s attention. But at least, the hero could understand the focus of the emotion.”
It made me realize that it is very hard to find a hero. When the project was first mentioned to me, I read about Lance. The quote from a book that I thoroughly enjoyed rung so true about your brother, and it made want to be part of sharing his story.