Reuse proposal goes to the bats!

Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)

(Myotis grisescens) What do Gray Bats and patriotism have in common?. Click on bat pic to learn more about gray bats. (Courtesy photo)

My father, Lt. Col. Leonard P. Lynch, is one of the 393 soldiers and family members interred at Fort McClellan Military Cemetery. After reading an Anniston Star report that the Army Corps of Engineers had sent letters out to family members of the interred, I contacted the Joint Powers Authority and others about this issue, given my mother and I never received such a letter.

I was some what dismayed to learn that the gray bat, an endangered species, may be getting more consideration than loved ones who have family members buried at Fort McClellan Military Cemetery. In correspondence with retired Col. Kenny W. Whitley I learned that an allotment for an 8,000 acre preserve is being proposed by the JPA to protect the foraging areas of the gray bat. Also protected will be pristine streams and pine forest.

In contrast JPA seems reluctant to consider even 40 acres for an expanded military cemetery. A reduced 12 acres may be given to a private contractor who would then charge for burials which may be opened to the general public.

Little effort is being made to notify the families who have loved ones interred at Fort McClellan Military Cemetery. When the Army Corps of Engineers sent out letters to family members, many were returned without a forwarding address. This was done despite the fact addresses for military families are often known since many of them get pay checks from the Department of Defense every month.

Also the JPA is using an on line web site to market the Fort McClellan properties. This site is produced by their agent DELCOM Marketing Services, LLC and has adopted a new gazebo logo and slogan to replace the name Fort McClellan. This renaming of Fort McClellan may not be the best way to attract business to the area. Certainly it does not help honor or remember the 393 soldiers and family members interred at Fort McClellan Military Cemetery.

In order that our honored soldiers and their loved ones be not so easily forgotten I propose erecting a historic marker at the Fort McClellan Military Cemetery. Also I propose that the site be officially named Fort McClellan Military Cemetery, that any renaming of the area by marketing services and developers will not wipe out the military history associated with those honored dead interred in these hallowed grounds.

Toward this end I've established the American Patriots Association, a non-profit corporation. One of APA's first goals will be to erect a historic marker at Fort McClellan Military Cemetery. I urge all parties concerned with the reuse of Fort McClellan properties to join in approval and support of this endeavor. Anyone who is interested in remembering our soldier fathers and loved ones who are interred at Fort McClellan Military Cemetery are urged to contact me. Those more interested in gray bats can contact Count Dracula.

Gray Bat(Myotis grisescens)

(Myotis grisescens) Obviously gray bats and patriotism don't have much in common. But I see no reason why gray bats should get more foraging space than soldiers and their families get space to interr their loved ones. I'm sure the gray bats would not mind a larger cemetery. It certainly would not contribute to less foraging area, as gray bats would probably love a larger cemetery. Click on bat pic to learn more about gray bats. (Courtesy photo)

For more information about the gray bat see Threatened and endangered species. This is an excellent site produced by the ARKANSAS GAME & FISH COMMISSION.

Endangered bats call AEDC dam site home by Marty Martin Arnold Engineering Development Center Public Affairs

US Fish & Wildlife Service Gray Bat Fact Sheet Gray bats are endangered largely because of their habit of living in very large numbers in only a few caves.

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