A former parachute drop zone at Ft. Meade, Maryland, is dedicated to the chapter's namesake. The area is now part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract. In response to questions about who Captain Dean Phillips was, a park's volunteer internet search found the chapter's website. After receiving an email inquiry, Len Ignatowski and Joe Celesnik inspected the drop zone, which contained a deteriorated plaque, honoring Captain Phillips. The chapter approved funding the plaque's renovation. Due to environmental and park regulations, renovation is most practical.

The project involves replacing the existing damaged and corroding plaque with a same size bronze plaque including more personal information about Dean K. Phillips. Assistance is needed on locating a foundry, and guidance on how to fabricate the plaque, which has to fit inside the existing concrete column.

Efforts to contact family and friends of Dean Phillips have not resulted in obtaining the needed plaque information. This is delaying the project's completion:

The following plaque information is needed:

1. Date of birth

2. City and state of birth

3. He served with the 101st Airborne in 1967 and -68. Need to confirm his Tour of Duty and awards, two silver stars, two bronze stars, and a purple heart.

4. Any living family members

5. Burial location

6. Other useful information, especially the dedication of the memorial and drop zone in his honor.

If you can provide information on the above questions, call Joe Celesnik at 703-938-7669. Any member wanting to work on this project is welcome.