Dignitary helped with range expansion

Local dignitary and Cannon Air Force Base advocate D.L. Ingram was instrumental in the expansion of the Melrose bombing range, which took place in the late 1980's, as well as many other actions to strengthen Cannon.

Cannon Connections: Christina Calloway

Members of D.L. Ingram's family hold up his street sign at the rededication of his road on base. Ingram was a local dignitary and Cannon supporter who died in August 1989.

It's actions such as those that many suggest without Ingram's efforts, the base would not be here today. And it were those actions that created Ingram's legacy after he died in August 1989 when the road leading into the base was named after him.

Last week base Commander Col. Buck Elton and others in the Cannon community celebrated the rededication of D.L. Ingram Boulevard as it moved to another road on base.

The move was a part of a series of road changes on base that occurred within the last year or so.

"It's an effort to highlight the special operations heritage associated with Cannon's current mission, and at the same time recognize military pioneers, fallen heroes and community leaders, such as D.L. Ingram, for the contributions and sacrifices they made," said Capt. Laurence van der Oord.

In addition to being a World War II veteran, Ingram helped pioneer the Committee of 50, an organization that has served as a lobbyist for Cannon.

Ingram's name will now lend itself to one of the most heavily trafficked roads on base where its new support hub is being built, formerly named Casablanca Avenue.

At last week's rededication, Elton highlighted Ingram's importance to the base and how appreciative the airmen are of his work.

"This truly reflects his legacy of support for Cannon Air Force Base and Cannon families," Elton said. "It is fitting we honor this World War II vet, patriot and local hero."

Elton said all the road names on base are named to honor the special operations heritage. Several roads honor fallen heroes and Cannon supporters including Ingram.

"Mr. Ingram deeply cared about Cannon airmen," Elton said, "He was absolutely instrumental in the expansion of the Melrose bombing range."

Elton added that his road will be the permanent address for current facilities that support Cannon families.

"Without his efforts, we would not identify Cannon as home of the new special operations wing," Elton said.

Ingram's immediate family attended the event in his honor including his son, Clovis teacher Keith Ingram.

"The biggest thought I had was, 'I wish my dad was here to see this,'" Keith Ingram said. "He would be so honored."

He added that his father wouldn't care what the name of the road was as long as Cannon remains strong.

"Cannon is such a unique place with room to grow," Keith Ingram said. "As a high school teacher, I'm just thankful for my (military students) I've had in my classes that bring so much life experiences."