Alamogordo honors volunteers who restored F‑4 Gateway Freedom Monument

The Alamogordo City Commission on Dec. 16 formally recognized the volunteers, military technicians and contractors who led the restoration and pedestal installation of the F‑4 Gateway Freedom Monument, a high-visibility welcome feature near the airport.

Mayor Susan Payne presented plaques and mayor’s commendations to core volunteers and technical leads, including Jim Talbert, Justin “JP” Purvis and veteran technicians identified in the record as master sergeants Derek and Audra Spencer, and singled out specialized contributors such as Larry Morris and Mark Warner for fabrication, historic detailing and FAA-standard repairs. Payne said the project required “well over 1,000 holes” and custom fabrication to install a 7,000-pound load-bearing engine base and credited more than 100 enlisted volunteers and paid contractors for the work.

City officials and presenters emphasized the effort combined volunteer labor, cross-state fabrication and donation-based funding. Danielle Rondelet, who led fundraising efforts, was credited by the mayor with helping raise about $140,000 for the project; the mayor described the F‑4 as “the gateway to our city” and said the work was done to historic and technical standards.

In the City Manager’s report, staff listed contractors and firms expected to work on Phase 2 of the project — including GH Concrete, La Luz Cartaway, White Sands Construction and engineering support from Marty Peeler — and said Phase 2 is anticipated to be completed by July 4 next year.

The recognitions were ceremonial; no formal funding vote for Phase 2 was recorded at the meeting. The commission thanked volunteers and military partners for “bringing the aircraft to completion” and encouraged public appreciation when driving past the monument.