7th Battalion/158th Aviation Regiment Memorial
The veterans memorial at New Century Air Center in Gardner, Kansas will include a CH47D Chinook helicopter placed in a park-like setting. The plaza will be surrounded by natural plantings and stone inscriptions honoring the 30 men that were killed in action aboard an identical aircraft brought down in Operation Enduring Freedom on August 6, 2011. Dale’s son, SPC Spencer C. Duncan was the door gunner aboard that aircraft. The memorial concept symbolizes a release of the helicopter and crew from the cradle of protecting hands into a final flight away from the earth. The site will provide a place of consolation for survivors, family and friends and a sacred place for contemplation and remembrance.
