FORT CAMPBELL, Ky (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A piece of history was saved from destruction, thanks to the keen eye and generosity of the local community. During a demolition at Fort Campbell, one man noticed a large Screaming Eagle sign whose fate seemed to be the scrap yard.
The nearly 2,000-pound steel sign was not something they could see thrown away.
After speaking with base commanders, a local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post was contacted. VFW Post 4641 in Dickson was delighted at the opportunity to preserve a piece of history. The group began arrangements for transportation and equipment to haul the massive sign.
Meanwhile, keeping the sign safe proved challenging. The sign inadvertently made it to the trash pile at one point, but the VFW crew arrived just in time before it was destroyed. Moving the sign required a large flatbed trailer.
While the origins of the sign are not clear, it is believed to have been built in Afghanistan and was used as a Divisional sign while in the country. After clearing the proper legal channels with Fort Campbell, the sign began the journey to it’s new home at the VFW post in Dickson.
“It’s a little beat up but VFW plans to refurbish it and display it at the Post,” said Richard Lee, member of the VFW Post and veteran 101st Airborne Soldier, “I’m certainly proud to be a “Screaming Eagle” alumni today!”