Mile 26 Post
On Wednesday, Feb. 27, 1952, the Mile 26 Post was published. The winning entry was submitted by Lt. Hal Pressman, a services officer. His reasoning for the name was: "The term has been the one used for pointing out locations of the vast territory's scattered settlements, the 'mile post'particularly has been symbolic of the growth and development of Alaska." In addition to the new name, the paper also had a new flag. Sgt. Robert Blake submitted this winning entry. It depicted, of course, Mile 26, Alaskan landscape, aircraft, and Army tanks. This begs the question: Why are there Army tanks in the flag? There were approximately 2,000 Army personnel stationed at Eielson throughout much of the 1950s. (graphic courtesy of the 354th Fighter Wing History Office)