CLINTON, Md., Two Joint Base Andrews Airmen teamed up to design and construct a memorial display case at Francis T. Evans Elementary School in remembrance of the school's namesake.

On June 16, 1953, Capt. Francis T. Evans, Jr., an Air Force pilot, was killed nearly 61 years ago during a routine training flight returning to Joint Base Andrews. According to historical account, his primary and hydraulic control systems malfunctioned and the disabled F-86D Sabre Dog fighter descended toward the school where hundreds of children waited for busses. In an attempt to make an emergency landing, he managed to divert the plane away from the school. This decision caused him to eject at a lower, more dangerous altitude causing him to tumble out of control on the ground, resulting in his death. The plane crashed and burned in a nearby wooded area.

"He went above and beyond in his duties and ditched the plane, not out of neglect, but with consideration for those around him," said Master Sgt. Matt Cagle, 744th Communication Squadron plans program manager, one of the Airmen who built the case. "It epitomizes our core values: integrity first, service before self and excellence in all that we do. Sometimes that excellence means giving our lives; looking out for those around us."

As a fellow Airman, Evans holds a special place in the heart of Cagle and Master Sgt. Phillip Allen, 744th CS plans and program manager. At the time, Evans was a member of the 95th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron nicknamed "Boneheads."

"It feels great to be able to let everybody see the whole story about what happened and the sacrifice the Evans family made for the community," said Allen.

The idea came about when Allen saw an oil painting of Evans hanging on the school's office wall. Next to it was a piece of paper with information about the incident.

"Someone dedicated an oil painting but we knew that there were some things we could do that would afford him the honor with a greater sense of prestige," said Cagle.
Equipped with machinery and an arts and crafts background, Allen had the vision to spruce up the current display.

Dr. Deborah Stone, the school's principal, approved the initiative. Then Allen brought the idea to John Rogers, the 844th CG deputy commander, who in turn suggested creating an enclosed case to house both the painting and literature.

"My original plan was to put up an informational poster and have matching frames for both the painting and the poster," said Allen.

As the project evolved, Allen enlisted the help of Cagle. Cagle's skills as a hobby home builder and wood worker complemented Allen's skillset, and together, they built the case from scratch in Cagle's home workshop.

Three months after its inception, the Airmen overcame stormy weather, software problems and engraving obstacles to complete it in time for the dedication ceremony. At the ceremony select students delivered speeches, played music and then presented the 844th CG with certificates of appreciation for their efforts.

"It's just one of the tokens of the kind of commitment and appreciation the 844th has shown to our school," said Stone. "It's a demonstration of something concrete, so memorable and long-lasting."

The school sits just outside of the base's Virginia Gate, near both Allen's and Cagle's homes. Allen's two children are also students at the school.

"We have a great relationship with the community through our group and squadron involvement," Cagle said.

For the past three years, Airmen from the 844th CG have adopted and sponsored the school.

"We've done many projects at the school like cleaning up leaves and building a computer room," said Allen. "We also donated a bunch of computers so they could have their first computer center."

Airmen from the 844th CG also volunteer at the school in various capacities. They participate in mentorship and reading programs, career and sports days, and serving school lunches.

"It's important to help out in the neighborhood and maintain that positive image in the eyes of the community," said Cagle.

Furthermore, Allen and Cagle said they did not give the project a second thought since it was an opportunity to commemorate a fellow Airman.

"It symbolizes dedication, honor and respect," said Cagle. "It's a way we can pay tribute to a fallen warrior, even though it was a peacetime mission; a life was given to service and country above self."