BKV Gunnery Backstop Project
Historical Point-of-Interest Transformation UNDERWAY!
November 2024 Progress Update
Progress is evident at the Airport Gunnery Backstop WWII Memorial site. As elements come together in real life, they reflect the vision in the architectural rendering.
Recent developments include concrete wing walls and benches, sidewalk, curbing, propeller pedestal, in-ground lighting, and decorative pavers. On November 18, a stainless-steel mount was installed upon which the distinctive three-bladed B-17 airplane propeller now sits (covered up until future unveiling).
Construction to develop the monument has been a grassroots effort, possible solely due to monetary donations and contributions of professional services, as well as complimentary or deeply discounted products such as concrete, pavers, electricity and metals.
Many people have generously shared their time, expertise, products and money to bring this project to life. There is still a lot left to do and opportunities remain to help.
August 2024 Progress Update
Check out the new Gunnery Backstop Memorial video featuring information about the bomb display preparations. The video was produced by the Tourism Bureau: Florida's Adventure Coast, Brooksville - Weeki Wachee. Daily progress is evident with the main concrete in place and earth graded around it. A big Thank You to those working hard to make this happen!
July 2024 Progress Update
The Gunnery Backstop Memorial is taking shape. The interior was graded and concrete forms positioned. Other project-related work is also happening off-site such as priming the bomb tail fins for paint and preparing the B-17 propeller mount. A sincere Thank You to all financial donors, suppliers and professional service providers for the support!
Sponsorships are Still Available. Join the momentum today!
Long referred to as "The Bunker," little is widely known about the distinctive concrete structure at the entrance to Brooksville - Tampa Bay Regional Airport (BKV). Thanks to some local aviation history enthusiasts, that will soon change.
The structure is original to the airport, which was built during WWII and named Brooksville Army Airfield. Its purpose was to help bomber pilots calibrate their weapons during training. From an aircraft anchored with a chain to an iron ring in the ground nearby, pilots aimed guns into the concrete and sand beneath. So - never a bunker - the structure was actually a gunnery backstop.
The transformation was envisioned by Don Etchison and architecturally illustrated by Ed Hoffman, both long-time BKV pilots.
Interactive! Use the slider below to view the transformation.
Key Site Upgrades PLANNED
Structural
Upgrade structure.
- Sidewalks
- Low perimeter rail
- Brick walkway
- Concrete central retaining wall
- Small vehicle pull-over area
Aesthetic
Enhance appearance.
- Turf-based landscaping
- Existing tree retention
- Bench seating
- Interior overhead lighting
Interpretive
Tell the story.
- Historical Marker
- Monument (possible B-17 propeller) with plaque
- Information plaque at entry
- Visual back wall displays
Help with a Sponsorship
Add yourself to the growing list of people, organizations and companies donating professional services and products to this exciting project.
Project Founder, Historical Marker and B-17 Propeller Monument Sponsor
- Don Etchison, BKV Pilot, Historian and Businessman
Architectural Design and Renderings
- Ed Hoffman of Hoffman Architects, PA, BKV Pilot
Engineering and Site Planning
- Coastal Engineering
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
- Proud Pelican Construction
CONCRETE SUPPLIER
- Cemex
B-17 Propeller Monument Welder and Fabrication of Aluminum Bomb Tail Fins
- Day Metal Products
B-17 Propeller Monument Historical Paint Application
- American Aviation
GRAPHIC DESIGN, MONUMENT IMAGES, SITE BANNER
- AccuformNMC
Display Lighting
- A&K Electrical
- US Electrical Technologies
Historical Marker Organizer and Author
- Linda Welker, Hernando Historical Preservation Society
Landscaping, Site Prep and Maintenance
- Hernando County Parks Department
Flag Pole and American Flag
- Hernando County Veterans Council
Tax Exempt Donation Processing
- CETA (Chamber Education Training Association)
Your Donation, Business or Skills
- You!
Make a Tax Exempt Financial Donation
About your donation:
Thank you for your interest in making a financial contribution toward the creation of an airport memorial, reflecting its role in WWII pilot training. Contributions can be any amount. All funds will go to the BKV Gunnery Backstop Project and are processed through CETA (Chamber Education Training Association).
Online credit card donations can be made through the MAKE A DONATION button link below.
Should you prefer to make a donation by check, please make it payable to CETA and drop off or mail to:
CETA
Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce
15588 Aviation Loop Drive
Brooksville, FL 34604
Interested in ways to help with this project?
Here are some ways you can participate:
- Consider sponsorship with a financial donation, products, professional services or personal expertise. Your generous contributions will be recognized!
- Some products and professional installation needed -
- Concrete
- Pavers
- Fencing
- Landscape Design
- Lighting/Electric
- Plaques and Display fabrication
- Some products and professional installation needed -
