On June 16 2017, 38 Airmen and their dependents experienced an opportunity to learn of the base namesake and his hometown’s extravaganza: The Fort Griffin Fandangle. This opportunity came about via a Heritage ride organized by the Team Dyess Heritage Committee’s Second Quarter Heritage Event. The Heritage Ride began at the Dyess Memorial Center wherein BeauJory Vanderburg, the Dyess AFB Museum Curator, presented the heroic story of Lt. Col. William Edwin “Eddie” Dyess, one of the most decorated Soldiers from the Pacific Theater during World War II. Eddie Dyess exploits as an Aviator earned him two Distinguished Flying Crosses and then his infantry ground attacks earned him two Distinguished Service Crosses. He was also awarded several additional medals to include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, and the Soldiers Medal.
Following the heritage briefing, the entourage boarded a bus or caravanned to Albany, Texas via FM 600 for a drive-by of the Texas Veterans Cemetery and the ruins of Fort Phantom Hill, an Army Post from the 1850s. Upon arrival in Albany, a brief stop was made at the Robert Nail Memorial Stadium. This is where Eddie Dyess met the entire town of Albany at a special gathering to tell the town of his exploits and heroism during his assignment to the Philippines and as a POW. The locals also learned of his success in leading the largest successful escape of POWs from the Japanese during WWII. The stadium was also the site of the original showings of the Fort Griffin Fandangle.
The entourage then proceeded to the Shackelford Courthouse Square where Julie Putnam, Albany’s most knowledgeable historian, provided details of other Albany heroes. The entourage also got up close and personal with a few of the official State of Texas Longhorns that reside at the Fort Griffin Historical site just north of Albany. A short visit to the antique automobile display and ice cream parlor cooled the entourage a little as the temperature in Albany was close to 100° F.
The entourage then proceeded to the Albany cemetery to visit the gravesite of Lt. Col. Dyess. We were met there by Elizabeth “Nell” (Dyess) Denman, Eddie’s little sister. Nell elaborated on Eddie’s life and achievements, both locally and in the military. This somber moment allowed the group an opportunity to embrace the awesomeness of our base namesake. While at the cemetery, Nell held a drawing for four lucky winners to take home autographed copies of “The Dyess Story” (David Garza, 7 Operations Support Squadron; Staff Sgt. Sarah Goehring, 7 Logistics Readiness Squadron) and “Escape from Davao” (Airman 1st Class Lauren Seneff, 7 LRS; Amn Scott Stephenson, 7 LRS).
The entourage then proceeded to the Albany Prairie Outdoor Theater to be entertained during the Fort Griffin Fandangle, a musical revue wherein the history of the Big Country is played out in song, dance, and narration of the pioneers and heroes that conquered the adversity while settling the area.
Both the Eddie Dyess Story and the Fandangle demonstrated the resiliency tenants that our Airmen and dependents are learning today: Physical, Social, Mental, and Spiritual -- pillars that make success happen, despite all the adversity around you.