The Lincoln City Council meeting on October 23, 2024, focused on a significant proposal to honor Captain John J. Sachs, a local Marine pilot who tragically lost his life in a training accident in June 2022. The council discussed plans for a memorial at Lincoln Airport, where Captain Sachs was a well-known figure and flight instructor.

Captain Sachs, along with four other Marines, died during a routine Osprey training flight near Glamis, California. His contributions to the aviation community in Lincoln were highlighted, with many local residents recalling his dedication to teaching others to fly. The proposed memorial aims to commemorate his service and sacrifice, as well as that of his fellow squadron members.

The memorial design, created pro bono by architect Jeff Demer, features a 12 by 14-foot concrete pad with a podium displaying a brass plaque that honors Captain Sachs and includes the Purple Foxes squadron logo and the United States Marine Corps emblem. A granite bench will also be included, inscribed with the names of all the Marines who perished in the crash. The memorial will be oriented westward, symbolizing the tradition in aviation that airmen "fly west" when they pass away.

The estimated cost for the memorial is approximately $45,000, with funding expected to come from the city’s standard allowance dollars. The Lincoln Public Safety Foundation has also expressed interest in fundraising to support the project. The council members expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The council is expected to move forward with the approval of the memorial, with plans for a community commemorative event once the project is completed. This initiative not only honors Captain Sachs but also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by service members in the community.