David, Thank you for your package to Governor Daniels regarding this the Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial. He has asked me, as the Director of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs and one of his primary advisors on military and veterans’ matters, to respond on his behalf.
First of all, I’m sure the Governor would want to thank you for your service and for the sacrifices you have made in defense of our country and the freedoms for which it stands. The willingness of men and women such as you to pay any price to keep America and its allies free reflects the very core and foundation of America.
I enjoyed our meeting last week and, as we discussed, I will be happy to notify all of the veterans' organizations and groups with which I have contact. I'm sure some of them may be able to help with the expenses and I know all of them will be happy to learn of this beautiful memorial. My wife and I came up to Westfield on Sunday to see the memorial and we were both very impressed with what you and your group have done. Thank you for all you have done.
Governor Daniels and I want to thank you for your service and thank you for your active citizenship. Please do not hesitate to contact me with future questions or concerns.
Tom Applegate Director, Indiana Dept. of Veterans Affairs
It's another year and the Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial has added six fallen Hoosier heroes to its roster as of March 6, 2010. Still to this day the Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial is the only state memorial that is dedicated to the men and women from Indiana who have paid the ultimate price, their lives, for our freedom. The Veteran Affairs office has a memorial wall for the 163 fallen Hoosiers in the Government Center on W. Washington St. in Indianapolis.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to maintain or continue this memorial unless greatly needed funds are obtained. This memorial was solely constructed by less than a dozen passionate citizens. We have run out of our own funds and that is why we need not only your support, but also for you to tell those you know and meet about the Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial for Enduring Freedom. Not all of the families of the fallen Hoosiers know about this memorial. We need you to help us get the word out. God bless you. Never forget the price that was paid for our freedom!
This is video from the dedication of the Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial for Enduring Freedom on June 14, 2009. The memorial is located in Westfield, Indiana and several dignitaries attended the dedication and spoke in honor of the Hoosiers that have given their lives.
My husband, Dave Davis, took this picture a couple of days before we dedicated the "Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial for Enduring Freedom" on Flag Day June 14th of this year. His Step-Dad, CSM Donald Peed, who was a Vietnam Vet(serving 22 years in the Army) started this Memorial back in 2002/3 after what he had experienced from returning home from Vietnam. He had been spit on and called "Baby Killer" when he stepped off the boat in San Diego. He decided he wanted to do something for the families and friends of our Fallen Hoosiers after 9/11/2001.
John Rankel
My husband, Dave Davis, took this picture a couple of days before we dedicated the "Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial for Enduring Freedom" on Flag Day June 14th of this year. His Step-Dad, CSM Donald Peed, who was a Vietnam Vet(serving 22 years in the Army) started this Memorial back in 2002/3 after what he had experienced from returning home from Vietnam. He had been spit on and called "Baby Killer" when he stepped off the boat in San Diego. He decided he wanted to do something for the families and friends of our Fallen Hoosiers after 9/11/2001. 