The Fifth Annual FMHA Awards Banquet was held on December 7th at Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant in Lewes. This event is held annually to salute the dedicated group of Bunker Buster volunteers who contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year and bring their design, fabrication, woodworking and host of other creative skills every week to Fort Miles in support of the Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area.
The Fifth Annual Lee Jennings Memorial award was presented by Dr. Gary Wray, President of FMHA supplemented with remarks from Linda Jennings. Lee Jennings was one of the four founders of FMHA, a former Historian of Delaware State Parks and a man who devoted countless hours toward the painstaking restoration of Battery 519 and other structures at Fort Miles.
Receiving this year’s award was Tom Anderson who has tirelessly devoted many years of volunteer service in support of these restoration efforts. Tom was recognized as the first non-Board member Bunker Buster to receive this award by John Roberts, FMHA Board member and past winner of the Lee Jennings Memorial Award.
Additional Bunker Buster recognition awards were presented to Bunker Busters Jeff Dibella, Don Martz, Joe Greyson and Irv Everhart. The volunteer service of deceased Bunker Buster Jack Bolin was also recognized.
Other awards from the banquet included the presentation of a Special Recognition Award to Eric Dawson of Delaware State Parks, Terry McGovern of the Coastal Defense Study Group and Jim Pierce, Secretary of FMHA. Mike Dunkes and Pat Bragdon presented plaques of appreciation to local firms who have greatly supported the restoration and artifact collection efforts of FMHA – Meineke Muffler, Coastal Towing and First State Crane. Finally, Will Short, who heads up FMHA’s cadre of docent and retail volunteers, recognized 16 volunteers who turned out force all summer in support of FMHA’s Sunday Tour Program.
Many thanks again to the firms that support FMHA, Senator Ernie Lopez for his kind remarks and support, Director Ray Bivens for his support of the Delaware State Parks – FMHA partnership and Mark Chura for his tireless construction management efforts at the new Events Venue and entrance road and parking area at Fort Miles.
It should be duly noted the staff of Irish Eyes provided timely and gracious food and beverage service. The night would not have happened without the diligent planning efforts led by Board member Bev Dalecki supported by fellow Board members Frank Ali and Dr Gary Wray. It was a great night saluting the continuing progress at the Fort Miles Museum and, most importantly, to those who have made it happen.
Tom Anderson receives the 2018 Lee Jennings Award
Linda Jennings talks about Lee Jennings
Jeff Dibella accepts his award
Award winner Don Martz shows off new mess hall aprons
Eric Dawson with Cape Henlopen Management
Max Robichaud of First State Crane is honored for First State’s continuing support
Dave Repass and Tim Dale of Mienecke Muffler are recognized for Mienecke’s support of Fort Miles
Jim Pierce with award
Terry McGovern receives a special recognition plaque from Gary Wray
Docents receive certificates from Will Short, Summer Tour Coordinator
More About FMHA’s Bunker Buster Team
Recent activities at Fort Miles highlight the impact the Bunker Buster team has had over many years on the restoration of structures at Fort Miles and the continuing progress toward building and developing the Fort Miles Museum.
Bunker Busters get involved with construction projects. A new Events Venue is under construction at Battery 519 featuring a “million dollar view” of the Atlantic Ocean and supplemented by multi purpose indoor space. Bunker Busters were on this job from day one erecting site security, digging out a large gun pit, assisting with outdoor design and guiding our contractors through the outdoor area construction phase. Recently a team of Bunker Busters secured the indoor area of the new venue so a temporary, traveling WWI exhibition could be installed for a week long stay at Battery 519.
Bunker Busters get involved by pursuing long-term renovation projects. For over two years, a revolving team of Bunker Busters has worked to restore six barracks buildings, which are the first buildings encountered by a visitor to Fort Miles. With historical accuracy, shutters and windows have been replaced, doors have been installed to ensure security and a working mess hall was set-up and opened for business.
Bunker Busters guide students to complete important work at Fort Miles. In the fall of 2018, the Bunker Busters initiated a community service volunteer program with the Cape Henlopen High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Program. Under the supervision of the Bunker Buster team, these potentially future Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine and Coast Guard officers work along side Bunker Buster volunteers, many of whom were Officers and NCO’s during their years of military service.
The list of accomplishments is endless. Thank you Bunker Busters!
