Since 1972, the Flame of Hope located on Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach has served as a reminder of the brave men and women lost but not forgotten in the line of duty. The monument began as a tribute specifically to MIA Naval aviators from the Vietnam War who were deemed “missing in action” or taken as prisoners of war. Time and Mother Nature have taken their toll on the Flame of Hope over the recent years.
In January of 2023, AMC911’s team of engineers partnered with the Navy, Virginia Beach Jaycees, and Oceana wives of the “They’re Not Forgotten” Committee to tackle a much-needed repair to a piece of history. The repair was highly technical to include the replacement of a deteriorated gas line that keeps the signature flame burning. AMC911 team of engineers designed a repair plan to include demolition of the concrete leading into the main cavity of the monument to reach the gas connection. Horizontal boring was then utilized to run a new gas line to the monument to feed the flame.
The flame, a symbol of hope and awareness, serves as inspiration to the military community of Hampton Roads and to all of those effected by the loss of a loved one to war.
“Being Virginia Beach natives, it is deeply important to us as a company to support this cause” said AMC911 Owner, Brian McClung. “It’s a great remembrance and tribute, we are honored to be apart of restoring something that gives people hope.”
For nearly two years, the Jaycees have been aggressively fundraising for this project. The Jaycees (short for Junior Chamber International) is a global non-profit organization that provides development opportunities for young people between the ages of 18 and 40. The group focuses on personal and professional development, leadership training, community involvement, and networking.
AMC911 was proud to not only donate our time and talent on this project, but some project funds as well. At AMC911, we bestow the gift of high expectations on our people, but we do it with passion and belief that they can accomplish things they never felt were possible before. When people experience success in a way they haven’t imagined before, there is nothing more energizing and fulfilling. At AMC911, we believe that fulfilling work creates fulfilling lives!
According to the U.S. Department of Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office, as of December 2019, Americans still unaccounted for in Vietnam number 1,587.
