Fort George G. Meade: The First 100 Years

168 THE FIRST 100 YEARS
Personal Memories
Starting in the 1940s and continuing through WWII, as the services grew and included more members with families, the
number of children living on Fort Meade increased, beginning for some, a long and lasting relationship with the post.
Many people came here while children and remained connected to the post throughout their adult years. Here are a few
reflections about long-term relationships with the installation in childhood through adulthood. In addition, we have
gathered a selection of photos which depict life throughout the years at Fort Meade.
Merle Lee Madera – Father and Son
Merle Lee Madera, enlisted in the Army while still a senior at Grafton
High School during WWI. He graduated in June 1917, in uniform, and
went overseas after reporting to Camp Meade. He served in France
with the 7th Division, 113th Engineers, Company E. At the end of
the war he sailed home from Brest, France on June 12, 1919 and was
honorably discharged from the Army at Camp Meade, Maryland, on
June 25, 1919. (Right)
Over the years of service to Fort Meade,
Merle Madera worked his way from electrician
lineman, to foreman, to senior foreman, and
chief foreman. In 1957 he became certified as an
Electrical Engineer, and in 1960 was appointed
to Chief of the Utilities Division of the Post
Engineers at Fort Meade. He retired from that
position on Aug. 31, 1962. After retirement he
continued working as an electrical contractor for
government jobs at Fort Meade, and established
his business known as Madera Enterprises. He
retired from his business in 1972. (Left)