The Eagle Will Soon Be Landing as the Iron Range Veteran Memorial Nears Completion
NOTE: There are 11 members of the Iron Range Veterans Memorial Project. We are “all” senior citizens and dedicated volunteers. The project has been underway for eleven years and the grass roots efforts of this group has never wavered. Below please find a short interview with each member as we reflect on our involvement and progress on this wonderful public tribute:
The nine ton IRVM bronze, “Shoulder to Shoulder” is nearing completion and plans are underway for its transportation and installation. All 160 pieces of the 25’ by 16’ sculpture have been cast at the Crucible Foundry, Norman, Oklahoma (www.cruciblellc.com) and renown artist/sculptor Gareth Andrews (www.oxbowart.com) made one of his last trips to do finishing work through the generous offer of Happy Trails Tours, Forbes. The tour bus headed to Texas last March for a winter getaway and Gareth caught a ride to the foundry in time to give a tour and talk about the sculpture to local travelers.
On Thurs., Feb. 25, 2010 on the 6:30 Duluth Channel 3 News, yet another coverage about the IRVM project was aired. Since that airing, the Virginia Foundation gave the IRVM a figure spot on the military mural wall for a fund raiser in silent auction form. It brought a bid of $5,000 from an anonymous donor followed by yet another donation of $50,000 from the same person allowing the remaining money owed to the foundry to be paid off.
*The IRVM committee was interviewed earlier the week of Feb. 2010 and we share with your readers information about our members. Excitement is building as we near the arrival of the masterpiece. While the t.v. interview was underway, the IRVM committee members took some time to reflect and give brief comments about their involvement and dedication to the project. The IRVM committee shared some “golden” memories about the Iron Range’s “bronze” arrival.
*Jim Wilson (far back left in photo) just informed us that the Ely television station has shown an interest in the building and assemblage of the sculpture. They plan on making arrangements with the committee very soon. We thank them for their interest. (Since that news, we traveled to the Veterans on the Lake north of Ely, Mn where we were interviewed for an entire hour by a Duluth radio station.) Jim was in the Navy from 1963-67 and served on the U.S.S. Midway CVA 41 and the Hornet CVA 12. Since he also served in Vietnam, he knew people who were missing or killed and thinks of them often Because he was the past Commander for Disabled Vets for the state of Minnesota, he was asked to serve on the IRVM committee. He says, that, “The project has been a long time coming and I have been personally involved since the beginning because I think it’s a very important sculpture for the entire area.” Jim heard about the project initially by belonging to the many veterans organizations. He feels that area residents will really come to appreciate the sacrifices that all veterans have made once the park is completed. “It’s art that is needed in the area.”
*Jim Pernu, (2nd from front left row) our newest member of the committee, thinks the memorial is a great tribute to ALL veterans not only the Minnesota ones but also those throughout the state and beyond. “It is an honor and I am proud to be a member of this committee.” He wants to thank all who have shown support towards the memorial fund. Jim works along side Chuck Pottsmith on the paver purchase/installation area and he said, “I can’t say enough good about the fantastic job Chuck has done and I have learned a lot from him.”
*Larry Cuffee (far right back row) has been with the project since the beginning. Larry says, “it has been an honor and a privilege to be involved in this beautiful memorial that will soon be erected. There have been a lot of ups and downs because of finances.” Because of many generous donations, especially by two particular individuals who gave the initial money, we were able to move forward with the project. He feels, “it was a gift from Heaven and without that generous donation, we probably might not be at this point right now.” The entire committee agrees with that comment.
*Chuck Pottsmith (2nd from right front row) says this project started out about ten years ago and he was, at that time, asked to make a drawing or concept. He did and the committee (during Dick Edstrom’s years) looked it over. In the meantime, however, an architectural firm was contacted and a more elaborate design emerged. “Initially, there were plans for fiberglass figures and a museum but various complications such as staffing for tourists changed the plans. The concept evolved and the bronze idea was accepted.” Chuck served in WWII in a milder capacity from 1943-46 and he joined the committee because he said, “ I wanted to honor those who served and sacrificed. This is my gesture at paying them back.” Chuck wants it said that this is his service to “all veterans” and he has been glad to do it.
*Don Tekautz (3rd from left back row)has belonged to the committee since its inception many years ago (at least a dozen years). He called Joe Begich and Mr. Begich said, “come to the IRRRB meeting tonight and you might be able to get $250,000.” As it turned out, the money had to be a grant match. The committee was determined to continue and eventually, was able to obtain the necessary match. “We arranged a meeting with the new commissioner and an agreement was made.” Don says, “I have always been interested in helping veterans.” Part of his feelings involve the fact that his brother, Robert, was a POW for nine months. He was captured in Italy and they walked from Italy to Mooseburg, Germany. Five Tekautz brothers served between WWII and the Korean War. In 1992, Don had the opportunity to visit the prisoner of war camp where his brother and others had been imprisoned.
*Louise Grams, (far left right front row)secretary, served in the Navy Hospital Corps. “In those days, if one couldn’t afford college, they looked for other opportunities.” She was too young to go on the MSTS (military ship transport). Louise chose to join the IRVM committee because “I wanted to be a part of it. I can’t wait for it to get here!” She invites everyone who listened to Louise on “Open Mike”, WHLB for 23 years, whether it was in the kitchen, on a tractor, in the garage or car, to now pick up a pen or go online (www.razoo.com or www.goodsearch.com) and make a donation to the IRVM project. “Now,” she says, “We need everyone who listened or called to contact us for our project.”
*Richard Obidowski (2nd far left back row) joined the IRVM because he was approached by another committee member after a newspaper article ran about his uncle, Pete, serving as a medic in Korea. Richard’s father and three uncles all served in WWII. Richard was visibly moved as he expressed that, “The project is something that needs to be done to honor all the fallen veterans and surviving veterans of all the wars we have been in.” The title of the sculpture is “Shoulder to Shoulder Even the Fallen Stand Tall” and that reflects Richard’s feelings.
*Jim Lustig, (far right front row) treasurer, has been affiliated since the beginning and the reason he became involved because “Many of my relatives served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.” Jim was born and raised around Cook. Both Jim and his brother served in the Korean War. He feels, “By recognizing those who served in the military and honoring them, it is what makes it possible for all of us to be here. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to be here doing this now. This is a way of honoring all of them.”
*Jake Varoga (absent in photo) is the chaplain of all the veterans organizations in Virginia except for 40/8. He says, “It is an honor and privilege to serve on the committee and I will never forget the experience and work done by many.” As we near the closure and completion of the monument, he suggests that if anyone wants a way to honor all of our veterans, they might consider a donation.
*Tom Berrigan, (2nd from right back row) chairman, says that the concept of a veterans memorial has been in his thoughts for a long time. He was a Marine in Vietnam 1967-74 where he saw many 18/19 year olds get killed. “Forty some years later, sometimes it seems like they have been forgotten by the general public.” He did two tours in Vietnam in 67, 68, 69. He said, “I thought it important that we have something large, tangible and beautiful to look at to honor their memories.” He says, “I am looking forward to the completion of the project and to get the huge bronze statue for the Iron Range. It has been such a long project that sometimes we wondered if it would ever happen. Now that the date is approaching, it will be a weight off of the entire committee.” The pressure, however, is still on until the final money is raised.
*Charlene Luoma, (middle back row) vice chair, chose to join the committee because she hoped to assist through grant writing and fund raising. She has been a “cheerleader” for the group while capturing the history of the project through photos, scrapbooks, articles and the media. She was excited by the thought of being helpful in bringing a high caliber bronze to the Iron Range art community.The arts belong to everyone.She had members of her family serve and in honor of all who served, she wanted to pay a respectful tribute through the beautiful monument. She knew Gareth Andrews from other projects, was aware of his tremendous talent and hard work and proud to be on the committee. As a former public school teacher, she often told her students “Try to be a peacemaker but always respect the peacekeepers.” She is also proud that the eight figures represent both sexes and man ethnic groups besides all branches and the five major conflicts of the last century. It is an inclusive project in man ways. Following her retirement, the project became an extension of showing honor to those who served.
*Gareth Andrews, sculptor, reminisced about when he and Byron Kesanen were finishing the “Sawyer” sculpture in the Rotary Park. Dick Edstrom and Floyd Jaros approached them about a veterans memorial. They set out what they hoped to incorporate and it was extensive and non discriminatory. They wanted everyone to be honored. Gareth’s father was a WWII Navy sailor with a college education. Consequently, he was given a desk job and Gareth thinks that might have influenced his interpretation. People have served in a wide variety of ways including the families and All Americans who have shown support for those who had to see actual “action”. “There are lines of supplies and bookwork needed to also ‘run a war’”. “ As many walls that we have breached, it was a total effort across the century to keep the peace. Everyone has a story to tell. The sculpture aimed for the common ground and the common man” in the part he/she has played. “With all the metal on the floor (of the foundry), things will come together quickly. I feel good about it.” Those are the encouraging words directly from the artist in keeping the faith that all will go as planned in the last stages of the sculpture. We wish him safe travels and the best of luck as he oversees the assemblage.
The New Mexico National Guard has volunteered transportation of the bronze from Norman, Oklahoma to Virginia City Central Park around May 17. Four foundry workers will be assembling, grinding, polishing, heating, straightening, working on the patina through 10-12 hour week days over three days. The IRVM committee is aiming for May 29 as a public welcome and acknowledgement for the extraordinary work by the artist, foundry, committee, donors, volunteers and anyone else who has shown support for the 11 year project. The hearts of the Iron Range people are in this monument and Memorial Park in addition to their money. It is a tribute to a grassroots effort by volunteer citizens in planning, constructing, handling finances responsibly and delivering a tangible monument honoring “All Who Served” and the accomplishments through collaboration and cooperation. It will stand forever as a reminder of these efforts.
We are, for the first time in over ten years, at a financial shortfall. Since the ownership of this beautiful bronze belongs to EVERYONE we seek every one’s help. If you would like to purchase a brick Memorial Paver, please contact Chuck Pottsmith (741-8775) or Tom Berrigan (749-5362). If you would like to make a direct donation, please send it to IRVM Committee, Box 35, Virginia, Mn. 55792. Another new way to make an online donation is through (www.razoo.com Iron Range Veterans Memorial) or through (www.goodsearch.com Iron Range Veterans Memorial) also known as GiveMn.org. These are websites for non profits (your donations are all tax deductible). If you put the goodsearch logo in your tool bar and use it to search on the internet, we automatically receive $ as an organization. If you make any online purchases from an extensive list of businesses (Best Buy, JC Penneys, Target, Office Max, Barnes and Noble to name just a few and many well known catalog businesses) we will be given a % of the purchase price from the business but you must be sure you list or tell them it is for the IRVM organization. A large amount of funds have been received for various non profits through this new method of giving. Please check on these to see if this is the method you would want to use and above all else, pass the phone numbers, box number and websites in this article along to your friends and relatives.
We are available for addressing clubs, service organizations, businesses etc. with recent updates on the project. The sparks are flying in the foundry and a fire is lit under the IRVM project. For all of us who have patiently waited, the wait will soon be over and we invite you all to enjoy “your park and monument” honoring THOSE WHO SERVED” and the miners who drew many tons of ore that as turned into the steel used for ships, vehicles, surgical instruments, ammunition, arms in the keeping of America and the freedoms we all enjoy. The phase one is complete and debt free, phase two is nearing completion and the foundry is paid in full, the transportation, installation and necessary crane is covered. Remaining is the last $50,000 on the artist’s fee. Please consider helping us with the remaining shortfall as this public project belongs to everyone!
Sincerely submitted
Charlene Luoma co chair IRVM committee (all volunteer senior citizens!)
$47,700 raised. 215 team members. 104 survivors. 64 volunteers. 1,600 luminaries sold. $41,000 given to Care Partners to assist local individuals living with cancer.
