OIF/OEF memorial project raising funds

From the USS Alabama folks:

On Dec. 17, 2009, members of the Gear Jammers Car Club and the Alabama State Defense Force made a check presentation to the Operation Iraqi/Enduring Freedom Memorial Fund for $1,600. The funds will go to build a Fallen Heroes memorial that will be erected at Battleship Memorial park to remember those who have given all in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This memorial project was started by Nathan Cox, a former Marine Infantry Officer and Iraqi veteran, who has, all too painfully, had to deal with the loss of Marines and friends. He has also witnessed firsthand the toll it takes on their families and loved ones as they have to deal with the fact they’ll never see them again. Nathan has made the commitment to make sure our fallen warriors have their names etched into eternity as a reminder what makes our country what it is and who has sacrificed to keep it that way.

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11^th, Gear Jammers Car Club, in partnership with members of the Alabama State Defense Force 302nd Battalion Fairhope, AL, raised $1600, to go towards the memorial fund. That day, Chick-fil-A of Daphne and Bob Baumhower’s Wings of Daphne donated a percentage of their total sales, along with having donation boxes in their restaurants. COL Phillip Tipp, Corporal James Johnson, and Major Tom Morrow, all members of the 302^nd, were at the Chick-fil-A in Daphne asking for donations and Linda Tipp with Gear Jammers was present at Wings in Daphne.

Efforts such as these will help Cox reach his ultimate goal of $125,000 and build an Operation Iraqi/Enduring Freedom Memorial at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park.

The Gear Jammers Car Club of Baldwin County has been hosting fundraising events in support of this memorial over the past year. To date they have raised just over $11,000. Frankie Kucera, President of the Gear Jammers said, “We have a number of veterans in our club and wanted to support and give back to a very worthy cause. It’s so important to show our respect and honor those who have served and/or are serving.”

Photo from left to right: Linda Tipp, Gear Jammers; Dale Elks, Baumhower’s Wings of Daphne; COL Phillip Tipp, 302nd Battalion Fairhope; Nathan Cox; James Waldon, Gear Jammers; Bill Tunnell, Battleship Park; Frankie Kucera, Gear Jammers; and Steve Long, Gear Jammers