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NEWS | May 11, 2018

JBLE hosts rededication, time capsule ceremony

By Airman 1st Class Monica Roybal 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

In conjunction with Fort Eustis’ 100th anniversary celebration, Joint Base Langley-Eustis rededicated Seay Plaza to pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War during a time capsule burial ceremony, May 11, 2018.

Originally dedicated on July 30, 1970, Seay Plaza was rededicated in honor of U.S. Army Sgt. William Wayne Seay, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions while serving with the 62nd Transportation Company (Medium Truck), 7th Transportation Battalion, 48th Transportation Group during the Vietnam War.

The ceremony, held at Seay Plaza, welcomed guest speaker U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert “Bo” Dyess, Army Capabilities Integration Center deputy director. Dyess, Seay’s second cousin, shared personal memories of Seay’s impact on their family.

“I remember how excited I was that [Seay’s] parents were going to meet the president,” said Dyess. “But even at a young age, I remember how sad they were for the reason they were going to Washington D.C. in the first place; to receive the Medal of Honor for their son who would forever be 19 years old.”

Established in 1918 and originally named Camp Abraham Eustis after Brevet Brigadier General Abraham Eustis, Fort Eustis is currently home to the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Joint Task Civil Support, numerous support units, aviation training, and aviation research and development.

In honor of Fort Eustis’ centennial, JBLE also prepared a time capsule containing memorabilia from its various units and organizations. JBLE leaders hope the capsule will serve as a benchmark by which to measure progress when it should be unearthed in 2118.

The event’s host, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Malcolm B. Frost, Center for Initial Military Training commander and JBLE Senior Commander Army Element, spoke of Fort Eustis’ role during the past 100 years, and its focus on the future.

“Fort Eustis is an incredibly diverse post,” said Frost. “Through our organizations, [JBLE] can stay connected to our legacy and we can continue to build upon our great bond with the Hampton Roads community.”

JBLE’s celebration of Fort Eustis’ 100th anniversary will continue with the upcoming Army Ball; a mixed-martial arts Legacy Fight Night; and an anniversary open house and concert.

For more information on upcoming Fort Eustis 100th Anniversary events, visit: www.jble.af.mil/forteustis100years.