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Cannon continues to hold a pillar of the community in esteem

  • Published
  • By Desiree Ann Montenegro
  • 27th Special Operation Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 27th Special Operations Wing rededicated D.L. Ingram Avenue, in an official ceremony, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Dec. 7.

This street change is among many others intended to highlight the base's special operations heritage and mission while continuing to pay homage to those who contributed to the overall success of the base.

In 1990, Cannon broke away from its tradition of military-related street names to memorialize a leader and pillar of the Curry County community by naming one of its major streets after the late Darwin Legette Ingram.

"Mr. Ingram was president of Ingram Oil Company and a prominent Clovis business man," said Col. Buck Elton, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. "As an active member of the Committee of Fifty, which is a fantastic organization created to develop a strong bond between the local community and Cannon Air Force Base, he dedicated much of his time to maximizing the quality of life for Cannon Airmen."

Ingram was also politically-active and frequently visited Washington, D.C., to advocate on behalf of Cannon. He often attended quarterly awards ceremonies and many other base events.

"Ingram is an important part of Cannon's history and although he didn't realize it at the time, he is an important part of our special operations history," Elton added. "Without his innovative efforts to secure additional land to expand Melrose Air Force Range, Air Force Special Operations Command would not have identified Cannon as the home for the new special operations wing."

Since the original inception of D.L. Ingram Boulevard, more than 20 years have passed and Cannon is making sure new generations do not forget the leaders and innovators that came before them.

The rededication of D.L. Ingram Avenue marks a special occasion in Cannon history. The base has been given a second opportunity to honor a notable and respected man, making sure the name D.L. Ingram will continue to be visible regardless of changes that might occur at Cannon in years to come.

At the end of the ceremony, Keith, Peggy, Jan, Steve, Lindsey and Mattie, members of the Ingram family, graciously accepted an oversized street sign replica of D.L. Ingram Boulevard. Keith and Jane, D.L. Ingram's children, also performed the unveiling of the commemorative plaque that will line the sidewalk of the newly rededicated street for years to come.

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