ARLINGTON, Texas –
Two Defense Contract Management Agency Lockheed Martin Fort Worth employees participated in the grand opening of the 100,000-square-feet National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, March 22. The museum honors the more than 500 military personnel who earned the prestigious award and tells their stories through informative and interactive exhibits.
The event drew local, state and national leaders, including former President George W. Bush, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, and U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. Additional guests included Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and other team players, country singer Lee Greenwood, and Savannah Guthrie, an NBC journalist and anchor, who emceed the celebration.
Tucker Sanftner, who is a sustainment government ground representative and a retired Air Force senior master sergeant, and Air Force Technical Sgt. Stephen Craig, also a government ground representative, participated in the ceremony. They assisted with various activities, including providing security and standoff measures for the 43rd president and former First Lady Laura Bush. Both men were offered the volunteer opportunity by the Air Force Reserve 301st Fighter Wing, which also participated in the event.
Craig said he was proud to volunteer and meet the Medal of Honor recipients. He explained the museum highlights what it means to serve in uniform and generates appreciation for those who support America’s warfighters.
“The individuals honored in this museum represent the highest ideals of service and sacrifice, and I felt it was a way for me to pay my respects. Being there, surrounded by the legacy of these heroes, reinforces the importance of DCMA’s mission,” said Craig. “Every day, our work supports the men and women who follow in the footsteps of these Medal of Honor recipients, and this museum serves as a powerful reminder of the weight of that responsibility.”
Sanftner said he volunteered for the event because it “celebrated the sacrifices and bravery of the individuals who have been awarded the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military honor in the United States. Volunteering for such an event offers a unique opportunity to participate in a meaningful and impactful occasion. Those of us who volunteered feel a deep respect for the military and its heroes. We wanted to contribute to this historic event by honoring their sacrifices. Prestigious events such as these can create lasting memories and offer a sense of pride and connection to a greater cause, while making a positive impact on the community and our nation.”
Thirty-two of the 61 living Medal of Honor recipients attended the event. The event featured live music, including Greenwood’s performance of “God Bless the USA,” speeches from the Medal of Honor recipients, and military band performances. The ceremony concluded with a fireworks’ display.
Sanftner encouraged more individuals to learn about the museum and the Medal of Honor recipients.
“The museum serves as a tribute to these heroes by preserving their stories and ensuring that future generations understand the courage, valor and selflessness of these individuals. It also provides an educational platform to honor military service and raises awareness of the values represented by the Medal of Honor, such as duty, sacrifice and patriotism,” he noted.
Sanftner agreed with Craig that DCMA employees do a lot every day to support service members who are put in harm’s way.
“DCMA supports America’s warfighters by overseeing the entire lifecycle of defense contracts, ensuring the quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness of the goods and services provided to the military,” Sanftner said. “Our efforts directly contribute to the success and preparedness of U.S. forces in both peacetime and wartime operations. Specifically, the government ground representatives assigned to DCMA Lockheed Martin Fort Worth ensure risk mitigation and contractual compliance to the ground- and flight-risk clause by auditing the production process and monitoring the sustainment operations of the fifth generation F-35 fighter jet.”
Air Force Col. Rodney Lambert, the contract management office commander, said he was proud of Sanftner and Craig for volunteering. They represented DCMA Lockheed Martin Fort Worth and the entire DCMA team well.
“Their assistance during this event helped to ensure a prestigious event and garnered the gratitude of retired Air Force Col. Michael Caldwell, who is the assistant vice president of Veteran Engagement for the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation,” said Lambert. “The museum’s mission is to honor the courage and sacrifice of America’s military heroes.”