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Damascus veterans present Gulf War memorial options; offer to privately fund plaque or ground monument
Summary
Members of a Damascus VFW team asked the Washington County Board to allow placement of a Gulf War memorial in county facilities or grounds, offering donated labor and private funding; board members urged coordination with the Veterans Memorial Board.
A team led by Eric McReynolds, joined by Paul Sturgill (post commander, VFW Post 9830) and engineer Chris Perry, asked the Washington County Board of Supervisors Aug. 27 for permission to place a "People's Gulf War Memorial" either in the park grounds or as a courthouse hallway plaque.
Presenters said construction and installation would be privately funded and that local veterans and contractors would donate labor. Chris Perry described a small ground-mounted foundation about 2-by-3 feet with an 8-foot maximum footing depth for the footer, and said his firm would donate construction services if chosen.
"We just passed the hat. It will not be coming off of the taxpayers whatsoever," Eric McReynolds said. He and other presenters said the plaque would be nonsectarian and would honor those who served in the 1990–1991 Gulf War.
Board members expressed support while advising the group to consult the Veterans Memorial Board and the county veterans-memorial committee to identify a suitable location. Supervisor Hargis said he preferred an indoor plaque given space constraints at the park; other supervisors suggested the veterans board could likely find room at the established memorial site.
No formal action to place the memorial was taken; presenters left model materials and were asked to follow up with the Veterans Memorial Board and staff.
