Final construction on the multi-year project was completed in Sept 2017.
Update/recap provided by FAOA Board Member and FAO Heritage Pentagon Exhibit Chair, Jeff Hoffmann
The FAO Heritage Pentagon Exhibit located in the 7/8 APEX, 2nd Floor is fully complete with a groundbreaking that was hosted by Mr. Daniel P.C. Feehan, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Readiness), Performing Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Readiness) on December 12, 2016. For more details please click here.
From left, Lee Johnson, Navy senior language authority and Director of the Navy Language, Regional Expertise and Culture Office; Diana Banks, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Education and Training and the Defense Department’s senior language authority; Daniel P.C. Feehan, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness; and Michael Nugent, Director of the Defense Language and National Education Office, cut the ribbon to dedicate the foreign area officer heritage wall display at the Pentagon, Dec. 12, 2016. DoD photo.
FULL REPORT (will be updated/replaced with FAO Journal Article in Sept/Oct 2017).
Alongside the display, a formal process has been created (DRAFT) to establish a FAOA Charter endorsed, "FAO Hall of Fame/Annual Awards Program." Below are photos of the FAO Annual Awards Program and other portions of the completed Exhibit including Video Wall.
ARCHIVED PROJECT INCLUDING PHOTOS BELOW:
Phase 1 is complete and can be viewed in Pentagon (7/8 APEX, 2nd Floor). Please scroll down for Phase 2 update.
For Phase 2, there are still plenty of opportunities to share ideas for design and content of the alternative wall including a need for additional artifacts especially those that may have been acquired during recent tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Construction ends for Phase 1 and Phase 2 planning begins with funding received. DRAFT design content review, vendor negotiations, and preparations for final proof concept are well underway. Expected completion for the entire exhibit is later Fall 2014 with an anticipated ground breaking event. Please be check back frequently for a, "Save the Date." An overview of Phase 2 follows:
RECAP OF THE PROJECT'S GENESIS
On 3 September 2013, Mr. Al Jones, the Curator for the Office of the Secretary of Defense Historical Exhibits sent forward specifications and guidance to The Saenz Group, the vendor who will begin construction of the FAO exhibit due for completion by the end of October 2013. This will finalize Phase I (FY13) portion of the project. See details below for Design and Construction schedule.