Memphis Council Salutes Command Standouts in Mid-South Region
By Brett Davis
On July 1, the Greater Kansas City Council hosted an event in the Grand Lobby of Kansas City’s Union Station for the unveiling of a model of the USS Kansas City (LCS 22). The event was attended by approximately 300 people, including the builders of the ship model, and was well covered by local television news.
On behalf of the council, Jim Malouff, Kansas City Council vice president of special projects, commissioned the Kansas City Square Riggers Guild, a local group of ship model builders, to build the hand-crafted model. It took 20 months to research and complete the ship model, which is built primarily from balsa wood and is 57 inches long, 15 inches across the beam and 17 inches high.
The model is a replica of one of the Navy’s newest classes of ships, down to the most minute details, including several hand-painted miniature crew members on the ship’s wing bridges and deck.
Sponsors of the model include the Greater Kansas City Council; council members Benny Lee and Malouff; the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Kansas City Chapter 115, represented by Walt Schley (CWO-5 USMC-re-tired); and Laird Plastics Co.
The model unveiling event coincided with Navy Week Kansas City. It was preceded by a reception at the Union Station for donors to the USS Kansas City Commissioning Committee as well as Cmdr. Chris Brusca, commanding officer, and nine crew members of the USS Kansas City.
The reception was emceed by retired Rear Adm. Jeff Penfield, chairman of the USS Kansas City Commissioning Committee. Rear Adm. Francis Morley, Director of International Programs, Office of the Secretary of the Navy, was the guest speaker.
Chuck Stevens, president of the Greater Kansas City Navy League Council emceed the unveiling event. George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station Kansas City, delivered the opening remarks for the ceremony.
After the unveiling, a specifically composed song, “Kansas City LCS 22,” was sung by Krista Pojman as part of the dedication. The music was composed by singer Krista Pojman, and the lyrics written by the council’s own Malouff.
Following the song, Brusca said, “This model of the USS Kansas City further cements the lasting relationship between the officers and crew of the ship and the outstanding citizens of this great city we proudly represent.”
The model was then available for public viewing. Union Station personnel estimate it will be seen by more than 100,000 people during its display time.