Final dedication and ribbon-cutting event, held as part of America 250 national celebration, honors military heritage, Holloman Air Force Base partnership, and community collaboration

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Alamogordo officially dedicated the F-4 Phantom II Gateway Freedom Monument at the prominent intersection of U.S. Highways 54 and 70 near the Maverik station. The emotional ceremony and ribbon-cutting, part of the national America 250 commemoration marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, transformed years of vision, volunteer labor, and perseverance into a lasting landmark.

Mayor Sharon McDonald read a formal proclamation dedicating the monument:

The event featured a National Anthem at 11:57 a.m., an F-16 flyover from Holloman Air Force Base at noon, and free hot dogs and apple pie.

Project Roots and History

The monument originated as the F-4 Phantom Project, first formally proposed to the Alamogordo City Commission in August 2024. As previously reported by Alamogordo Town News / 2nd Life Media, the vision centered on placing a restored McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II — a Cold War-era supersonic fighter-bomber that served Holloman Air Force Base for 48 years across multiple variants — as a striking gateway marker at the 54/70 intersection.

The City of Alamogordo has owned the jet for years; it sat on city property for approximately a decade, exposed to the elements and deteriorating. The project gained momentum through a public-private partnership led by the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce’s initiative and later advanced significantly by the independent nonprofit Project RISE (Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence). Danielle Rondelez served as its first president during the early organizational phase raising significant funds and commitments from contractors towards its completion. The nonprofit was incorporated in March 2025 and made the monument its first major undertaking.

An initial ribbon-cutting took place on December 8, 2025, after the jet was moved to the site in November 2025 and lifted into its dramatic upward-pitched display position by crane. That event included an F-16 flyover and recognized early progress despite weather-related paving delays. The July 2, 2026, ceremony marked the final formal dedication, with landscaping, signage, and memorial brick elements completed.

More than 150 volunteers — including hundreds of hours from Holloman AFB personnel such as Christopher Calhoun and Master Sgt. Derek Spencer — contributed over 10,000 hours to restore the aircraft. Local contractors and businesses donated time, materials, and expertise. The City of Alamogordo committed to ongoing maintenance of the site as a public park. Project RISE also launched a memorial brick program (starting at $150) allowing individuals to honor loved ones, veterans, or milestones with personalized bricks surrounding the jet.

Personal Reflection from Former Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernandez

Former Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernandez, whose tenure included key oversight during the project’s advancement, called the monument her “final project in Alamogordo” and expressed deep pride in its completion. As the wife of a 100% disabled veteran, she connected personally to its symbolism.

“This was my final project in Alamogordo and it was fitting. I couldn’t be more proud to have been part of this project. As a wife of a 100% disabled veteran, I understand the symbolism behind this and the sacrifices made in the past 250 years,” Hernandez said.

She highlighted the collaborative effort required and singled out key city-side leadership:

“Although there were soooo many people involved in this, Senior Project Manager Justen Boyle was 100% key player in arranging everything on the city side and mobilizing city employees and spending hours of his own time.

“I couldn’t be everywhere at once and I had to trust others to lead this.”

Hernandez also shared a personal tribute:

“I dedicated a brick to to my grandparents because it all began with them! Without their guiding principles, faith and love, I wouldn’t have been acting city manager and maybe this project wouldn’t have happened. The plane had been in city property for a decade rotting away. It took all the right people, and because of my grandparents, I was one small part of that.”

A Living Legacy

The F-4 Phantom II Gateway Freedom Monument stands as a powerful visual symbol of Alamogordo’s identity as a military community, its deep ties to Holloman Air Force Base, and the values of service and sacrifice. Organizers envision it as a gathering place for future patriotic events, veterans’ commemorations, educational programs, and community celebrations — a catalyst for tourism and redevelopment along the busy 54/70 corridor.

Project RISE and the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce continue to accept memorial brick orders. For information, contact the Chamber or visit local project updates.

Thursday’s dedication closed a multi-year chapter of community determination while opening a new chapter of pride and remembrance for Alamogordo.

Alamogordo Town News / 2nd Life Media has covered the F-4 Phantom Gateway Freedom Monument project since its early proposal stages in 2024. Photos and additional coverage from the December 2025 and July 2026 events are available on our platforms and social channels.

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