We believe 2008 will be an eventful year for the SHCW Committee. Currently, we are working in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service's Desert Overlook Project (DOP). The DOP is located on the roadway connecting the Kyle Canyon Hwy to the Lee Canyon Hwy at Mount Charleston, NV. This site overlooks the Nevada Test Site, Nevada Testing Range, and Area 51. The historical significance of the site makes it a desirable location for the proposed cold war memorial. During the above ground atomic testing that took place in the 1950’s, people from Las Vegas would gather at the Desert Overlook to witness the detonations of the atomic bomb. The new renovation of the site would incorporate the memorial and educational material regarding the area’s contribution to the cold war effort. Construction could begin as early as Aug 08. Presently, Las Vegas Channel 8 reporter Ky Plaskon is in the process of writing a book about the 1955 plane crash of USAF 9068 on Mt. Charleston. The book’s tentative release is anticipated sometime the latter part of 2008.
We are also pleased to announce that we have acquired 54 historical photographs taken by the demolition party sent to the crash site in the summer of 1956. Herbert E. Dobberstein donated these photographs to the Atomic Testing Museum of Las Vegas. Mr. Dobberstein was the GMC of the Lake Mead Base in 1956. Mr. Dobberstein’s photographs were used in the official government accident report that was classified “Top Secret.” The photographs include several pictures of the actual demolition of the wreckage circa September 1956. (4 of the photographs can be viewed on this website. These photographs are located on the “Accident Report Photographs” page that can be accessed via the “Home” page.) Release of the photographs to the public has been put on hold until Ky Plaskon’s book is published later in 2008.
The SHCW committee offers it’s sincere thanks to Mr. Dobberstein for his substantial donation. Also, SHCW committee would like to thank the Atomic Testing Museum for their ongoing support of the SHCW committee and the eventual construction of the memorial. The SHCW Committee would also like to thank Vanya Scott, museum collections and preservation expert at the Atomic Testing Museum, for her expertise and much appreciated support.
Please contact Steve Ririe for further information. Email: Coldwarmemorial@aol.com.
