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Alumnus proposes veterans memorial on Adams Central grounds with $150,000 fundraising goal
Summary
Alumnus Jeff Soldner told the Adams Central board he and local partners aim to raise about $150,000 for a veterans memorial, seek a static aircraft through federal surplus, and plan a community fundraising campaign managed through the Adams County Community Foundation.
Jeff Soldner, speaking during the public-comment portion of the Adams Central Community Schools board meeting, outlined a plan to build a veterans memorial on district grounds and asked the board to consider leasing space to the town of Monroe to host the plaza and a static aircraft display.
"Our goal for the fundraising is about 150 grand," Soldner said, describing a three-part plan that includes a brick memorial walkway, a plaza with service-specific memorials, and a concrete-mounted static aircraft as the centerpiece. He said early fundraising has had "some success" and that the project will use the Adams County Community Foundation to hold donated funds.
Soldner described the procurement route the group is pursuing for the aircraft: working with the town of Monroe and applying through federal surplus channels rather than individual museum donations. He said the General Services Administration (GSA) was advised as the quickest procurement route and that a lawyer would review applications before submission.
He outlined a timeline that envisions six months to a year for fundraising and design work and another three to four months for construction once permits and the aircraft are secured, though he said the acquisition of the static display is likely the most time-consuming element. Soldner said a professional rendering by alumnus Paul Harding is expected within three to four weeks and that a public kickoff and press conference are being planned ahead of Memorial Day.
Board discussion following Soldner’s remarks focused on the logistics of contracting and timing; the transcript records the board’s acknowledgment that legal agreements and potential lease arrangements with Monroe will need to be finalized before district action. Soldner also provided the project webpage (acveteransmemorial.com) and said donation processing through the Adams County Community Foundation would allow the group to hold funds until construction begins.
The board did not take formal action on the memorial at the meeting; Soldner left the board with a request that the district consider lease arrangements and indicated he would coordinate with Superintendent McClure and town officials on next steps.
