Published: May 14, 2008 11:34 am            

Del City salutes victims with memorial

For some in the crowd, it was a tragic weather event that led to the loss of their friend or loved one. For the rest, most were Del City residents touched in some way by the killer tornado that struck Del City on May 3, 1999.

In fact, the 100 or more people gathered at the Sooner Road site near the Vance Gate at Tinker Air Force Base on Saturday afternoon were standing at ground zero of some of the worst devastation that befell Del City. But, more importantly, they were all there to remember those lost in that tragedy from the sky.

Specifically, the event they were attending was the dedication of a granite monument featuring a large eagle and the names of those who died that terrible day — Quinton Hindman, Noah K. Fish Jr., Herbert G.J. Self, Gustia Miller, Loretta M. Richards, T.S. Glenda Stanfield, and Guadalupe Urice. In the aftermath, USAF Staff Sgt. James Day died in an accident at neighboring Tinker Air Force Base.

State Rep. Scott Inman, D-Del City, was the guest speaker and emphasized that the highest price Del City paid on May 3, 1999, during and after the tornado struck was the loss of life.

“The dark times surrounding May 3, 1999, are behind us,” Inman said. He then quoted a famous Ronald Reagan campaign ad and tailored it for his hometown: “It’s morning again in Del City.”

Other dignitaries spoke as well, including Del City Mayor Brian Linley, Col. Mark Correll, commander, 72nd ABW, TAFB; Lt. Col. Gary L. Hooper, commander, 72nd SFS, TAFB; and Sen. Jim Reynolds. Family members spoke as well, remembering their loved ones.

Members of the Del Aire Neighborhood Watch Association then unveiled the majestic granite monument, which was surrounded by new memorial benches and an adjacent path. This was followed by a laying of roses by family members and Sen. Jim Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City.

“Our hearts rejoice that we have a city government who cares about the lives lost that day,” said the Rev. Vera Radley of Del City First Nazarene.

And for friends and family members, the monument helped provide some closure.

“It’s beautiful,” said Cheryl Halla, of Springfield, Va., who lost her father, Herbert Self. “I’m thrilled that I was able to be here during this time.”

Others agreed.

“This was a hard thing to come to, but the monument is absolutely breathtaking,” said Logan County resident LaVena J. Day, whose nephew Staff Sgt. James Day died after his ATV hit an unmarked dumpster while on patrol in the hours after the tornado hit Del City and Tinker AFB.

“If he was here today he’d be very, very proud,” Day said.

And Tulsa resident and Yukon native Shannon Lagers, James Day’s ex-wife, said Day “would’ve been honored” by the recognition but that “he loved his job” and that he would’ve “been embarrassed by all the attention.”

All in all, Lagers said, the memorial dedication was “beautiful” and that she appreciated being sent an invitation.

        

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