POWERGRAMS

100% CONNECTED Distribution specialist has special role in bringing Vietnam Wall to Jackson Veterans viewed the Moving Wall when it came to Alabama Oct. 3-7. The small town of Jackson recently honored Vietnam War veterans in a big way. Stella Clark's knowledge of lighting and electricity helped make it possible. When city leaders got word their dream of hosting a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial would become a reality, the next step was to work out logistics. One of the major issues was providing around-the-clock lighting for the wall during its four days in Jackson from Oct. 3-7. The Moving Wall is a half-size replica of the Washington, D.C., memorial. "When I was approached about how the wall could be lighted, I was thrilled to help in any way I could," said Clark, Jackson distribution specialist. "I have several relatives who served in Vietnam, so it meant a lot to me to help with this project." After surveying the location, Clark suggested low-voltage landscape lighting as the most economical option. Installing temporary lighting would have cost up to $2,000. The city would have been required to sign a two-year contract and pay a rental fee if it leased the necessary lighting fixtures. Family of soldiers stenciled Clark owns six spare lights names from monument. and two 200-watt transformers, which she loaned the city. An additional 15 lights were purchased by the city to fully illuminate the wall and the 11 American flags flying atop. Clark designed the lighting layout. She routed the wires, set up the transformers, helped dig the holes for the PVC poles and installed the lights. Clark worked with Mayor Pro Tem Paul South to erect a chain barrier to protect the flowers, wreaths and other mementos visitors left at the wall as symbols of respect. "Stella was a tremendous help and took the job of lighting the wall on herself," South said. "The wall was open 24 hours a day, and I had no clue how I was going to light it. But Stella really helped us and worked hard to get the job done. "I have been on the city council for 22 years and have leaned quite hard on Alabama Power and its employees," South said. "If I ask for anything, they are always there to help do what is needed." South got the ball rolling to bring the wall to Jackson when he contacted the Vietnam Combat Veterans in 2012. "We have about 30 veterans in Jackson who don't get enough recognition, and we wanted to honor them," he said. Inscribed with the names of 58,282 Clark American soldiers who gave their lives or are missing in action in Vietnam, the 240-foot-long wall has traversed the nation since 1984. Two Moving Wall replicas now travel across the country from April to November, giving Americans who can't visit Washington, D.C., the opportunity to honor these heroes. "I think this is a long overdue tribute to the veterans in our area," said Clark, adding that she saw the Moving Wall in 1986 at the University of South Alabama. "Seeing a grown man stand at the wall and cry was a really heartfelt moment for me." By Carla Davis 7

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