CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The Charleston AFB Visitor Control Center was dedicated to a local hero and former honorary commander of the 437th Airlift Wing during a ceremony May 21 at 1 p.m.
Building 1953, qt the entrance of the Dorchester Road Gate, was officially named the Samuel F. Lyons Visitor Control Center in honor of Mr. Lyons, an avid supporter of Charleston AFB until he passed away last year. The plaque will also be displayed outside the building to remember his "years of loyal service, dedication and phenomenal support to the men and women of Team Charleston."
"The opportunity to come to this ceremony was too good to pass up," said Lt. Gen. Robert Bishop Jr., 3rd Air Force commander. "This is an extremely wonderful way to honor a true American patriot."
He was in the Navy for 12 years and served in World War II and the Korean conflict.
"One of the best members of Team Charleston was, and always will be, Sam Lyons," said General Bishop.
Mr. Lyons is known as the Godfather of Charleston AFB and he was also Team Charleston's "First Ambassador in Blue."
"Sam Lyons would do anything for Team Charleston and the community and anything else that would benefit the men and women of this country," said Col. Glen Joerger, 437th Airlift Wing commander. "There was no better person for this community than Sam Lyons."
During the ceremony, General Bishop and Colonel Joerger helped Mrs. Lyons unveil the plaque commemorating Mr. Lyons.
"He had nice things to say about so many people and he did so many nice things in return," said retired Brig. Gen. Thomas Mikolajcik, former 437th Airlift Wing comander. "He was a fine man who was always direct, honest and anyone's friend ... he will always be with us."
Along with several special guests, family members, group and squadron commanders, honorary commanders, advisory council members, chief master sergeants, first sergeants and many members of team Charleston were present at the ceremony for Mr. Lyons.
"Sam was always proud of his experiences in the Navy, but he always really loved what he did here at Charleston AFB," said Peg Breen, a relative of Mr. Lyons. "This is just a very important moment to remember what Sam has given to this nation and this base."