By Laura D.C. Kolnoski
FORT MONMOUTH – From World War I’s Signal Corps and homing pigeons to the development of modern night vision goggles, Fort Monmouth, almost 100 years old, holds a rich history and fabled past.
Now, one of the first business owners to purchase and redevelop a historic property on the former U.S. Army base has commissioned a new mural honoring the fort’s history. The work by an art teacher from Ocean County was recently completed and will be formally introduced on Veterans Day.
“The idea for the mural has been percolating in my mind for several years,” said Michael Abboud, founder and CEO of TetherView, a cloud technology security company in Russel Hall, a former headquarters and administration building next to the Parade Grounds just inside the Oceanport Avenue gates.
“The mural is a way to preserve and celebrate veterans and Fort Monmouth’s legacy of technological innovation.”
The colorful work fills the side of a brick shed adjacent to the parking lot, visible from the Avenue of Memories (Route 537).
Oceanport historian Ric Siciliano helped compile the information used by artist Brendan Ryan of Stafford Township and will explain the details and relevance of the mural’s components during the Nov. 10 ceremony. Abboud described the work as “a visual montage depicting the significant technical and communications contributions that were developed for the military by the scientists and engineers who worked at Camp Vail, later named Fort Monmouth, in honor of the soldiers of the American Revolution who died in the battle of Monmouth Court House.”
Images depicted include the first radio-equipped meteorological balloon launched in 1928, the first U.S. aircraft detection radar developed in 1938, a soldier using a walkie-talkie developed in the Signal Corps laboratories, dog tags of Russel Hall’s namesake, a World War I brigadier general; and a map of the fort’s location in Monmouth County.
Ryan, a graduate of Donovan Catholic High School in Toms River, is a 2020 graduate of the College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York and holds a dual degree in studio art and visual arts and experimental media. He teaches art at St. Mary Academy in Manahawkin and recently participated in painting a similar Seaside Heights mural along with other artists.
“I was drawn to this project because of its significance, honoring the ingenuity of our military’s technological breakthroughs and advancements,” Ryan told The Two River Times. “Prior to designing, I was given direction to highlight specific communications equipment and military achievements. I researched the history of Fort Monmouth, then incorporated my findings by creatively arranging the components. I thoroughly enjoyed painting it. I am honored that my artwork will help preserve a piece of history and am grateful for the opportunity.”
During the ceremony, in addition to honoring veterans, Abboud said Aero Defense, a company that “provides sophisticated drone detection technology for the military and commercial organizations” based in Russel Hall, will provide a demonstration of its technology which is being adopted by various branches of the military. He noted Russel Hall, named after Chief Signal Officer Edgar Russel, was finished in 1936 and once contained the post library, chaplain’s office, a court martial room, classrooms, a war game room and telephone switchboard rooms.
“After spending six years in Russel Hall, I’ve had the honor of meeting individuals and relatives of people who contributed to Fort Monmouth’s rich history,” said Abboud, who resides in Oceanport. “These conversations have consistently highlighted the extraordinary level of intellect and ingenuity that has long been a hallmark of this community. As people drive by the mural, I hope it prompts them to pause and reflect on the remarkable technological advancements that originated right here in Monmouth County. My hope is that it might ignite a spark in someone to innovate and continue the tradition of technological advancement.”
The article originally appeared in the November 2 – November 8, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
