Base museum director tells F. E. Warren story

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Stacey Fenton
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  The base's museum director has recently published a book about the history of F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., and hosted a book signing at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne April 17.

Paula Taylor, ICBM and Heritage Museum director, is the author of "F. E. Warren Air Force Base," the first-ever published book on Warren.

Taylor said she was contacted by Arcadia Publishing to write the book as part of their "Images of America" series. This is the first book she has published.

"I decided there was a need for a book like this, and I thought it would be a nice memento to offer those who have been stationed here," said Taylor. "The pictorial layout of the book also gives members' families a chance to see and learn about the base if they aren't able to come out and visit."

The book consists of about 230 photographs from various periods in Warren's history. Half the photos came from the Wyoming State Archives, and half came from the base.

"My favorite part about putting this book together was looking through every photograph digitally and being able to zoom in on everything," said Taylor. "Each photo has some sort of unique or unexpected detail that you will find if you look closely enough."

The book is broken up into chapters covering aspects of Army and Air Force life, people who lived on base, entertainment and the importance of animals on base. Taylor said she knew right away these were topics she wanted to include.

Taylor signed approximately 100 books during her book signing at the Wyoming State Museum. She said her intended audience includes a wide range of people, including both military members and civilians.

"I hope this book provides fond memories for people who have lived and served here, and is a nice keepsake for those who've visited," Taylor said. "It can also be used as a reference book, especially for elementary school children who study Wyoming history."

Taylor said she is looking forward to holding more book signing events. She also said she has a second book in mind, in which she would like to focus on the architecture and original uses of the historical buildings on base.