Ribbon Cutting for the Gateway Freedom Monument A Symbol of Honoring Our Military

Alamogordo celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the Gateway Freedom Monument on December 8, 2025, unveiling the restored F-4 Phantom fighter jet as a landmark of civic pride and military heritage. The project championed via a public relations campaign by the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce, and faciliated to completion by the leadership of Project RISE and the City of Alamogordo staff marks another milestone of partnerships working together for community pride.

A Monument Years in the Making

After months of anticipation and a weather-delayed debut, residents and Holloman Air Force Base personnel gathered at the Maverik Gas Station corner of US-70 and US-54 for the unveiling. The centerpiece—a Cold War-era F-4 Phantom II fighter jet—is restored and mounted as a tribute to Alamogordo’s deep military ties.

The event was marked by a flyover tribute from Holloman AFB aircraft, a dramatic salute underscoring the bond between the city of Alamogordo and the base.

Community, City of Alamogordo and Military Collaboration

The restoration was made possible through hundreds of volunteer hours from Holloman personnel, local contractors donating time and materials and civic leadership. A crane a few weeks ago lifted the jet into place, creating a striking visual moment captured by local media prior to the ribbon cutting.

The unveiling showcased the efforts and vision of Project RISE, a nonprofit incorporated on March 20, 2025, under the initial leadership of Danielle Rondelez, its first president, who has since resigned.  Project RISE held its inaugural board meeting in May 2025 and quickly became a driving force behind the Gateway Feedom Monument with a public relations push by the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce. This is the first large initiative of Project RISE focused on building a stronger, more united community through the values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. Project RISE, was envisioned as a collaborative effort, but as an independent nonprofit, tasked with partnerships via the Chamber, the City of Alamogordo, FOR OTERO, MainGate United, Otero County, and the Alamogordo Public School District, and designed to foster these core values across the entire community, aiming to create a common language for both current and future generations.

A significant portion of the project’s funding was raised through Project RISE, and in partnership with the City of Alamogordo. This fund raising under Rondelez’s as past president, and it's boards commitment and organizational leadership, along with a committment by the city is for a lasting tribute, of which the city will maintain as a public park owned by the city. The  F-4 Phantom II fighter jet has been owned by the city. 

Importantly, Project RISE operates as an independent nonprofit, entirely separate from the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce, MainGate United, and the Thrive Guide initiative but operates as a collaborator. Its mission is focused on advancing military-community collaboration and civic pride through projects like the Gateway Freedom Monument.

A Symbol of Heritage and Progress

The F-4 Phantom display was envisioned as a gateway marker welcoming visitors to Alamogordo. For residents, it stands as a reminder of military sacrifice and the city’s role in national defense. For civic leaders, it is a rallying point for redevelopment and tourism initiatives along the US-54/US-70 corridor showcasing local pride as a welcoming symbol to our military.

The ribbon cutting capped a year of effort, setbacks, and perseverance. Rain postponed the original unveiling, issues with paving via rain and costs added to delays, but the ceremony—with the flyover tribute and community celebration—drew a crowd eager to honor both the aircraft’s storied past and Alamogordo’s forward-looking spirit.

Looking Ahead

With the F-4 Phantom now proudly displayed, Alamogordo leaders hope the Gateway Freedom Monument will become a signature landmark, inspiring future projects that blend history, community, and economic development. The event with city Senior Project Manager Justen Boyle, Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernadez, Mayor Susan Payne, Mayor-Elect Sharon McDonald, County Leadership, Contractors and Chamber Leadership present, reinforced the city’s reputation, as a place where military heritage and civic pride converge and collaborations can create a long term monument of pride. 

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