MOULTRIE — The John Benning Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, recently received First Place in Commemorative Events – Miscellaneous Category for the Spence Field Project that honored the 62 airmen killed while training at Spence Army Airfield in Moultrie during World War II.
The project consisted of the dedication of a historic marker, locating all of the families of the fallen pilots and hosting special event for them, publishing a tribute book with information about each of the airmen and a memorial service honoring the airmen.
“The Spence Field Project was one of the most meaningful projects the chapter has ever undertaken,” said Nancy Coleman, chapter regent who co-chaired the project along with chapter member Jean Gay and Air Force veteran Bill McLean. The award was presented at the NSDAR Continental Congress held at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.
While in Washington, Coleman visited the Library of Congress where the tribute book, “Silver Wings: They Only Wanted to Fly,” has been accepted into the library’s repository. Member Paula Neely was the editor of the publication.
At the Georgia State Society State Conference, the project was recognized for excellence in Service to Veterans, American History, Genealogical Research, National Defense and Service to America.
The Spence Field project encompassed all three tenets of the mission of NSDAR – historic preservation, education and patriotism, which includes service to veterans.