FORT KNOX, Ky. (Mar. 8, 2011) - Members of the 538th Engineer Detachment, 19th Engineer Battalion, repaired the damaged fencing at Fort Knox's Jones Cemetery from Feb. 1-4.
The 538th Eng. Det. Repaired the damaged fencing as a post initiative to maintain a high state of appearance for Fort Knox facilities and grounds. Upon its return to Fort Knox, the 19th Eng. Battalion was assigned Jones Cemetery during post cleanup and has since taken care of its maintenance.
Since returning from its deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in April 2010, the 19th Eng. Battalion has made a serious effort to get involved in the happenings of the surrounding communities.
"It was really important that our Soldiers get out and help with the Jones Cemetery project," said 2nd Lt. Brandon Skinner, the 538th Eng. Det. Officer in charge. "This project allowed the Soldiers to get experience in their career field while helping with the post's appearance."
When cleaning the cemetery during post cleanup, the engineers first noticed the aging fence. From that point, they began to devise a plan to replace the old fence and materials with newer, more modern components.
The engineers' plan resulted in the installation of new 2 inch corner posts, fence cross-bracing and fresh concrete. The 538th Eng. Det. also installed a new gate, allowing easy access to and from Jones Cemetery.
At Fort Knox, Jones Cemetery has a burial history that dates back to 1860, when it initially began as a plot for the Dillard family. The first burial listed at the site was that of Amanda M. Dillard in 1860.
According to Matthew Rector, Fort Knox's Historic Preservation Specialist, Jones Cemetery lent itself to passers-by or newly settled pioneers in the area during the early 1900's.
2nd Lt. Skinner said that he was pleased with the work of his Soldiers. He felt that his detachment acted quickly on short notice to repair the fence and maintained good project management during the repair process.
"Being able to complete this project in such a short period of time was quite an accomplishment for the Soldiers," said 2nd Lt. Skinner. "The 538th appreciates the opportunity for us to complete this task and the Soldiers appreciate this opportunity to practice their Jobs."
Social Sharing