Mayor Susan Payne Honors Unsung Heroes Behind Alamogordo’s Gateway Freedom Monument and Downtown Revitalization

Alamogordo, NM – December 17, 2025 – As part of her farewell tributes at Tuesday’s City Commission meeting, outgoing Mayor Susan L. Payne shone a spotlight on the "real people" the "dedicated individuals and leaders whose tireless efforts brought to life the Gateway Freedom Monument"—featuring the iconic Vietnam-era McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II jet—and other transformative community projects.

The monument, unveiled in late 2025 at the corner of US-70 and US-54 (1301 N White Sands Blvd), stands as a powerful symbol of military sacrifice and freedom, reflecting Alamogordo’s proud ties to Holloman Air Force Base. Restored from a retired QF-4 gifted to the city in 2018, the jet’s dynamic “gear up” display was achieved through over 11,500 volunteer hours from more than 150 individuals—equivalent to taxpayer savings exceeding $264,000 at conservative rates.

Payne issued mayoral commendations to the core early visionaries and the restoration team, praising their technical expertise, patriotism, and innovation:

• Mr. Christopher Calhoun, 49th Maintenance Group Deputy Director at Holloman, served as the senior command-level coordinator. A career crew chief, he quarterbacked manpower resources, drafted support memorandums, conveyed project goals to wing leadership, and ensured protocol oversight while facilitating collaborations with Public Affairs and the Chamber of Commerce.

• TSgt Curtis Rosga, an active-duty avionics technician, handled manpower gathering, activity documentation, and performance monitoring for over 60 volunteers, expertly managing logistics and scheduling to maximize efficiency.

• Mr. Mark Goga, leveraging decades from Holloman’s High Speed Test Track, excelled in structural design, welding, and fabrication. His innovative techniques enhanced safety, expedited processes, and achieved precise positioning of the massive General Electric J-79 afterburner nozzles.

• Ms. Tina McLean, a master aircraft paint specialist, oversaw materials, equipment, surface preparation, and the entire painting process, delivering an authentic Vietnam-era scheme that evokes the “Rhino” era and honors the “Phantom Phixers.”

• Mr. Jim “WAM” Harkins, recognized as one of America’s last F-4 Phantom pilots, provided essential flight dynamics expertise on angle-of-attack and throttle settings, enabling accurate nozzle and slat configurations—shortening fabrication by weeks and ensuring historical fidelity.

• Mr. Jim Talbot managed initial procurement, official transfer documentation, and transportation from Holloman to the regional airport and final site.

• Mr. Butch Ephraim, a Vietnam-era crew chief, applied deep knowledge of landing gear, flight controls, and hydraulics to safely modify systems for the permanent “gear up” pose.

• Mr. Vincent “Jake” Jacobs, another Vietnam-era crew chief, offered on-demand support for transporting materials, equipment, and supplies under tight timelines.

• MSgt Audra Spencer and MSgt Derek Spencer, active-duty sheet metal experts, tackled uncharted structural challenges in the engine bay, drilling over 1,000 holes for custom load-bearing components to securely suspend heavy assemblies—donating combined 286 personal hours.

• Mr. Larry Morris, a veteran crew chief and logistics specialist, coordinated broad tasking including hydraulic modifications, historical detailing, equipment repairs/rebuilds, and weight/balance accountability.

• Mr. Mark Werner, an FAA-certified A&P technician, brought expansive expertise to problem-solving across fabrication, repairs, hydraulics, and surface work, adhering to aviation standards even amid challenges.

Payne also commended Danielle Rondelez for her pivotal leadership in advancing the monument through Project R.I.S.E., a nonprofit she helped incorporate and served as inaugural president. Despite transitions from Chamber roles, Rondelez’s vision drove fundraising efforts exceeding $140,000 in private and community support.

Additionally, recognition went to Nolan Ojeda, Executive Director of Alamogordo MainStreet, for overseeing the multi-million-dollar New York Avenue Makeover—completed in 2025 with upgraded utilities, ADA sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, and thematic gateway features celebrating local history.

These honors reinforced Payne’s message of positivity and gratitude for collaborative spirit strengthening Alamogordo’s military-community bonds and civic pride. These honors were true celebrations of community pride and represent the spirit of #AlamogordoProud. 

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