HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-01-29-JSBCC-min.pdf A meeting of the Joint Services Bicentennial Coordinating
Committee was held at Hanscom Air Force Base on Wednesday,
29 January 1975. Colonel Sigurd L. Jensen, Jr , presided.
The meeting was called to order at 7.30 p.m.
Attending, in addition to Colonel Jensen were
John B. Finigan, Concord
John K. Damon, Concord
David Emerson, Concord
Captain Francis X. Brady, (USN Ret. ), Concord
Robert Tarlin, Lexington
Raymond E. Barnes, Lexington
Nathaniel Brown, Bedford
Fred Hafer, Bedford
David Moffitt, Minuteman National Park
Lt Col William Flaherty, National Guard
Joseph Manthorne, 94th USARCOM
Leo Talbot, Fort Devens
Captain G. L. Kraine, Coast Guard
Lt Col John McElwain, Coast Guard
Lt Col Earl Milam, Hanscom AFB
James Viggiano, Hanscom AFB ,
Joseph Besso, Hanscom AFB
Captain W H. Lundquist, Hanscom AFB
Captain Jay Swander, Hanscom AFB
Wes Chavis, Hanscom AFB
Major Donald Rhoads, Hanscom AFB
John Coughlin, Hanscom AFB
Colonel Jensen suggested that Congressman Tsongas be
invited to send a representative to the next meeting. He noted
that we were getting close to the wire and that we should make
certain that nothing important was being overlooked.
Colonel Jensen read a letter he had received from Mr Tarlin
of Lexington. Mr. Tarlin has asked for a status report on certain
equipment.
On hand-held walkie-talkies, it was determined that neither
?Hanscom nor Fort Devens had any available Hanscom had six
14'x- back-pack radios available for use by the two towns. It was decided
ow- that Concord and Lexington should borrow two each, while Bedford
r� ti'8 .),, A " and Lincoln should borrow one each. Colonel Jensen suggested that
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/ the towns pick these up at an early date so that proper frequency,
reit "``UUUU interfacing, and familiarity with the equipment can be assured in
advance of the parade date
Flatbed trailers were available. Fort Devens had two, each
30' x 8' x 8'7" in size. Hanscom had four flatbeds available. Two
�� of them are 25' x8' in size and the other two are 40' x8
It was determined that all visiting military units would be
1,7 offered an evening meal on April 18th at the military installations.
It was further decided that military buses and drivers could
not be used to transport rioters or dissidents.
Colonel Jensen then reviewed the military parade participant
picture.
The Air Force had committed
Air Force Academy Drum and Bugle Corps
Air Force Academy Color Guard
590th Air Force Band - McGuire AFB
Marching Unit - female - Hanscom AFB
Air Force Strolling Strings for the Community Luncheon
The Army had committed
Marching Unit - Fort Devens
Colonial Platoon - Fort Devens
Fife and Drum Corps - Fort Devens
Cadet Company - West Point
Old Guard - Fort Meyer
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Tentative Coast Guard Commitment.
Color Detachment - Boston
Marching Unit - Cape May, N J
46th Coast Guard Band - New London, Conn.
Colonel Jensen then introduced Wes Chavis, an Air Force
employee of ESD's Systems Logistics Division and the New
England Bicentennial program director for the Society of Logistics
Engineers. (SOLE)
Mr Chavis told the group that the SOLE membership was
eager to help the New England communities with bicentennial
planning He would like to take the matter of Lexington's need for
16 walkie-talkies as a challenge for SOLE. He would make no firm
assurance, but he would try to obtain the 16 instruments. He said
that he would work directly with the towns in his SOLE capacity
Colonel Jensen noted that Concord had requested bleacher
from Hanscom AFB and that these were available. Captain Mullins
of Special Services should be advised of Concord's intentions to borrow
the bleachers.
John Finigan said that if any of the service units had bunting
with which to decorate the flatbeds, Concord would like to borrow it.
Colonel Jensen and Leo Talbot said that they would check their
organization for bunting.
Mr Tarlin asked whether a PA system would be available
for Lexington on 19 April. Mr Finigan said that Concord needed
P A. systems at four points (1) the bridge area (2) Town Center
(3) Merriam's Corner and (4) Concord-Carlisle High School.
Colonel Jensen said that Hanscom had one available, and asked
Mr Viggiano to make a thorough study of our PA inventory Wes
Chavis said that he would check SOLE sources for PA systems
availability
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Mr Tarlin asked whether the Strolling Strings could be made
available for a Lexington engagement. Colonel Jensen said that the
unit could not be used at functions such as Lexington has planned
John Finigan reviewed military commitments for Concord.
All was in order He noted that Judge Forte was working out an
arrest plan and suggested that Lexington officials review it.
A discussion about the movement of dissident groups to, and
emergency recreational parking at military installations followed.
It was determined that dissident groups would not be allowed on
Hanscom or Ft Devens property
Lt Col Flaherty said that the National Guard was committed
to provide adequate medical support to both towns Orders were
being written at the moment. Priorities were difficult to determine
He noted that interfacing with the 904th Hospital Center was progressing
well.
Colonel Jensen suggested to Nathaniel Brown that Bedford
should have at least one common communications frequency for
reaching participating communities on April 19th.
John Finigan introduced David Emerson to the group. Mr
Emerson is a member of Concord's planning group. He told the group
about the DoD bicentennial vans that will visit Concord. Each of the
four vans is expandable, self-contained, and features history and
highlights of Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines. They will be
at Minuteman Park, their only stop in Massachusetts, on July 22
and July 23
David Moffitt said that the Minuteman National Park had
completed security plans, including the possibility of a
Presidential visit, for 19 April. He is working with the
State on transportation systems for the summer of 1975 and 1976.
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Colonel Jensen suggested that the February meeting, which
will be held on 26 Feb will be of pivotal importance Committees
should be prepared to tell military when and where to deliver
equipment. Delivery should be far enough in advance to assure
time for practicing with equipment.
John Finigan said that Concord would have 20 people at the
next meeting.
Colonel Jensen said all of his functional support offices
would be represented. He suggested that a suitable meeting place
on base be secured and the members advised, well in advance,
of the location of the meeting.
John Damon said that spectator bus route maps will be ready
about ten days prior to 19 April.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned
at 9.30 p.m.
Next mee '• _• will be at Hanscom MB on Wednesday, 26
Fe. ary 197
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