CDC unveils ‘Two kids on a bench’

  • Published
  • By Michael Fletcher
  • 97th AMW Public Affairs
ALTUS, Okla. -- --  An original bronze work of art was unveiled in a ceremony June 19 at the entrance to the Altus Air Force Base Child Development Center. "Two Kids on a Bench" was designed by Southern California artist Max Turner who specializes in life-sized figures of children and animals. The bronze statue depicts two children sitting on a bench, focused on reading a book together.
Four-year-old Sara Grace Howard and Michele Everhart, wife of Col. Carlton D. Everhart II, 97thAir Mobility Wing commander, undraped the statue to applause. Little Sara stood by the statue and informed people that it was "her statue." Sara is the daughter of Bron Howard, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron and Shellie Howard, Altus junior high teacher. She is also the granddaughter of Johnette Howard, retired Altus Air Force Base Mission Support Group deputy commander. Sara attends the CDC and sits on the bench daily on her way home.
"As you enter the Child Development Center, you will observe children who are active, healthy, reading stories, painting, drawing, using computers, learning and growing with each new experience," said Michele Everhart. "Learning begins at birth and is a continuous process through all of our lives.
"My husband and I highly emphasize continuing education, training and professional development for both military and civilian personnel during our tenure at Altus AFB . . . there is no turning back; only those eager to learn new things, acquire additional training and education will survive in the future. We need to be the 'Two Kids on a Bench,' constantly reading, studying and learning, each and every day."
'Two Kids on a Bench' will last forever, as will the lifelong learning legacy we hope to leave here at Altus AFB, said Michele Everhart.