The January 8th Memorial
Bill Badger - Survivor
Symbols by artist Rebeca Méndez
Helicopter
Commander at helicopter base / Established two bases in the US / Over 8,000 flight hours
Bill lead the establishment of the only two United States-based attack helicopter training sites. He had a Commercial Helicopter Rating with over 8,000 hours of flight time. Bill was Vice President of the Helicopter Club of America and Assistant Chief Judge of the World Helicopter Championships in 1996.
Fleur-De-Lis
Scout leader / Man of duty and service
The fleur-de-lis is used as a symbol for the Boy Scouts. Bill’s son Christian was an eagle scout in Troop 007, of which Bill became the scout master. As such, he became a guide and counselor to numerous young men, many of whom attribute their current success to Colonel Badger’s mentoring; like the fleur-de-lis he pointed them in the right, upward direction.
Colonel
37 years service in the Army and National Guard
Col. Badger served 37 years in the Army on active duty and in the National Guard. He served as National Guard Advisor to the Commander, US Forces Command, Atlanta, GA; Chief of Aviation Operations for National Guard Bureau, Pentagon; Commander Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site, Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA and Commander, Western Army National Guard Aviation Training Site, Marana, AZ.
Olive Branch and Scroll
Gun law advocate / January 8 spokesman
Grazed by a bullet on his head, Bill ran towards the shooter and wrestled the gun from his hand as he was reloading. He spent years after the attack lobbying for changes to gun laws, meeting with lawmakers and speaking to groups about what he called common-sense gun laws, including comprehensive background checks and safeguards for people suffering from mental illnesses.
Christian Cross
Roman Catholic / A humble, graceful man / St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Church
Bill had great faith in God and his wife Sallie knew the constellation honoring the values he held dear in his life would not be complete without a cross, symbolizing his love of God and humanity.
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