CARLSBAD, N.M., June 25, 2020 – The Carlsbad Community Foundation has awarded a $37,500 grant to the Carlsbad Veterans Memorial Park Committee for a significant new addition to the park. The funds were used to purchase a Huey Helicopter that sustained battle damage during two combat tours in Vietnam. The helicopter is not operable and will be a featured display at the park.
“The committee has been on the lookout for a helicopter to display for more than five years,” said Executive Director Mike Antiporda. “Thanks to the generosity of donors to the Carlsbad Veterans Memorial Park Fund, the Foundation is able to make this grant award to bring this to our community in partnership with the committee and the City of Carlsbad.”
The availability of the helicopter was discovered and brought to the committee’s attention by local resident Steve Angell. On June 24, 2020, Committee Chair Dagmar Youngberg, Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway, Ray Westall and Angell inspected the helicopter in Cleburne, TX. The group determined that the helicopter was indeed suitable for the park and the purchase was secured with the grant from the Foundation.
In the coming weeks, the Huey Helicopter will be transported to Carlsbad. The City of Carlsbad has committed to preparing the site at the park for installation of the new display for all residents and visitors to enjoy. A timetable for completion is not yet determined, but the community anxiously awaits its arrival.
“The Carlsbad Veterans Park has been coming together for many years as a way of recognizing the incredible sacrifice our veterans make for our country and our freedoms,” Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway said. “The presence of a Huey Helicopter at the park is going to make visiting especially meaningful. Thanks to all of the generous donors, as well as to Steve Angell, Dagmar Youngberg, Ray Westall and all of the park’s committee members who made this possible.”
The Foundation thanks the many veterans in our community for their service and we are honored to continue to support improvements to the Carlsbad Veterans Memorial Park. Since 2010, the Foundation has awarded more than $160,000 in grants to benefit the park, which serves as a focal point for numerous annual events and ceremonies.
About the Carlsbad Community Foundation
The Carlsbad Community Foundation is a charitable, 501(c)(3) organization that exists to improve the quality of life for the people of our community and South Eddy County. The work of the Foundation is achieved by building endowment funds for long-term support of nonprofit organizations and other charitable purposes.