in

With Science We Defend: Chemical Biological Center Unveils New Statue

Credit: CCDC Chemical Biological Center photo by Jack Bunja

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center unveiled a permanent reminder of the relationship between Soldiers and Army researchers on June 17 in front of the Center’s Advanced Chemistry Laboratory.

More than 100 members of the Center workforce were on hand as the shroud was removed from the statue titled Cum Scientia Defendimus – With Science We Defend.

That notion, which began in 2016, was integrated into the Center’s 100-year anniversary celebration.

Statue 3D Designer and Chemical Biological Center Director stand next to the new statue at Edgewood's Chemical Biological Center
Statue designer Jason Gitlin stands with Eric L. Moore, Ph.D., Center director, in front of the statue honoring Soldier and scientist. Credit: Jack Bunja

Jason Gitlin, senior 3D artist, was tasked with creating three designs for Center employees to vote on – a WWI Soldier in personal protective equipment (PPE); a dragon, representing the crest of the Army’s Chemical Corps; and a modern era Soldier in PPE.

“I had about a week to complete the three concepts,” Gitlin said, “I did most of the work at home in the evenings, but I wanted to make sure that the statue would be worthy of the 100-year Center legacy.”

Gitlin said he found himself focusing on the modern-era Soldier. “I wanted to put my own twist on it to make sure it had layers of meaning. I wanted to capture the key relationship that the Center has with the warfighter.

“Together, we can overcome one of the greatest and most terrible threats mankind has ever known — chemical & biological warfare,” Gitlin said. “Through innovation, research and perseverance the Center has been a critical entity over the course of a century in the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) mission. What better way to highlight the role and relationship the Center has with the Soldier than by showing a warfighter outfitted in modern era CBRN PPE and a scientist back to back, standing strong together?”

Erected upon its granite base on June 1 and concealed until the official unveiling ceremony, the bronze statue and base weighs about three tons. The Center is will additionally inter a time capsule next to the statue in the near future as part of the 100th Anniversary commemoration activities.

Bronze statue of solider in gas mask standing back to back with a scientist pipetting into a test tube. Statue is outside building against a backdrop of blue sky.
Credit: CCDC Chemical Biological Center photo by Jack Bunja

Source: CCDC, edited by CBRNE Central

Upcoming Events

Coast Guard-Developed System for Evacuating Infectious or Contaminated Patients

Kilo Company recruits practice CBRN defense

In Pictures: CS Tablets on the Tasting Menu for Kilo Company Recruits