Persian Gulf Tribute
The Persian Gulf Tribute committee is still looking for anyone interested in working to bring this tribute to The Highground. Please contact Nancy Olson at naolsn114@hotmail.com or call The Highground at 715-743-4224.
The next meeting for the Persian Gulf Tribute will be held at The Highground on June 14, 2008 at 10:30 am.
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April 19, 2008
Dave Barth, Welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Everyone introduced themselves and had to say something nice about the person next to them. A new couple joined the meeting today. They are Rob and Roberta Gaier from Neillsville.
Brandon Hensiak read the minutes from the last meeting.
March Minutes were approved.
Additions for Aprils agenda:
Financial Report: Read by Brandon H.
- We Have $10,000.00 from Celeste Kauffman’s essay contest winnings and a matching donation from Land o Frost.
Land o Frost gave Celeste $5000.00 for an essay contest she won. The company also matched the donation with another $5000.00 for a total of $10,000.00.
Financial report approved.
Public Relations:
- Nancy contest Celeste won. Celeste told the story she wrote in to Land o Frost.
- Also Channel 9 & 18 talked to Nancy Olson about the 5 yr Anniversary of the War. Talked about the Project kick-off Release update, Mission statement, Highground website, and invited the press to Highground regarding the Persian Gulf Tribute.
Voted on Mission statement. There were six to pick from. A hand vote was taken and Mission statement number five received the most votes. Simple majority vote.
"To build with honor a tribute for all branches of America's Military. Who served around the world beginning with Desert Storm, through Multiple Middle East Conflicts. While marching forward in the Global War on Terrorism, may we establish a place of hope so that we do not walk past you, but with you. Let the site be an anchor for education and solace while securing in memory sacrifices made, with hope and prayer the Persian Gulf Tribute will provide a safe haven for all to reflect and to heal."
There was some discussion on changing wording to Armed forces instead of America's Military. It was decided it would be America's Military. Also it was recognized that the (m) in Military should be capitalized.
The Mission statement was approved by everyone.
Design:
Celeste Kauffman and Chris Hiles addressed a concern over using the words Conflict or Wars on the second paragraph. There was some discussion and everyone agreed to use the word Wars. We also need to remember that we need to go by the Highground’s rules: No IEDS or war Machines. Maybe we use these to educate, What an IED is?
It also was talked about putting a packet of pictures for the artist to see and get ideas of what we want. Then send the photos to Design Committee.
Nancy and Celeste talked about an Amphitheater idea for the tribute and have benches w/fallen Soldiers names, Statues, The Amphitheater could be the shape of the Middle East. Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan.
We broke for lunch.
Dave & Nancy suggested we have a banner made that would include a map of the Persian Gulf area, including Iraq & Afghanistan off to one side. It would have “The Highground Neillsville, WI” and “The Persian Gulf Tribute” under that. Joel Brockman said he would be able to get a banner made.
Nancy suggested we have a balloon release and after discussion, it was decided to go ahead with the idea.
Name tags would be a good idea.
Discussed the release of doves, and decided it would be a good idea for something to have at a later date.
The committee members would all get red shirts that have “The Highground Neillsville, WI” and “The Persian Gulf Tribute Committee” embroidered on them. Joel will take care of getting these.
There would be a display table for pictures showing emotions and duties of our military. There would be “words” attached that are part of the descriptive ideas we have discussed using when sending information to the artists.
Kirk Rodman and Gary Weirauch will be asked to attend our next meeting to discuss fundraising.
Dave found out that an eagle CAN be part of the tribute.
Joel and Nancy will attend The Highground Board Meeting on May 17th to present our committee and mission statement.
Dave reminded everyone that we need to continually update his timeline.
A deadline of July 31 or August 31 was suggested to give the artists.
An artist list will be generated at the next meeting, and a press release will be sent out following the information being sent to the list of artists.
We need to have a panel of judges.
Nancy told the committee there is an artist – Eric Olson – that is interested in doing something at The Highground.
Cheryl Lee Patrick told the committee about going on line to www.eventful.com and do a “demand it” for Keni Thomas to come to The Highground.
Dave read a letter from Senator Pat Kreitlow thanking him for the invitation to our kick off, but giving his apologies that he would be unable to attend. Representative Scott Suder was also sent an invitation to attend the kick off.
The committee got to read the essay Celeste submitted to Land O’ Frost for the “Holiday Miracle” contest that won her $5,000.00 which she donated to the Persian Gulf Tribute. In addition to Celeste’s $5,000, Land O’ Frost also matched that amount by donating an additional $5,000.00 Thank you Celeste. The committee had their photo taken with Celeste holding a copy of her story and check.
Dave reported on his trip to Washington DC. He said there were about 425 people. He took a packet from The Highground to present to 10 legislators from WI, as there are matching funds available for certain projects. We missed the cut off for this years budget, but Kirk said to send another packet next year and just keep at it. Dave is to send a list of these legislators to the committee so we can all address them. Dave was also part of the “Vets for Freedom” meetings. They are a non-partisan group that just want to let the troops do their job and win the war.
Next meeting was set for June 14, 2008. 10:30 at The Highground.
Minutes from the last meeting
March 8, 2008
Dave Barth nominated as Chair. Took oral vote and approved
Joel Brockman nominated as vice chair. Took oral vote and approved
Amanda Hensiak nominated as secretary. Marsha Ziegler made motion and Janie Brockman 2nd. Took oral vote and approved.
Nancy Olson nominated as chair for public relations committee. Took oral vote and approved.
Chris Hiles & Celeste Kaufman nominated as co-chairs for design committee. Took oral vote and approved.
Brandon Hensiak nominated as chair for fundraising committee. Took oral vote and approved.
Mission Statement – what we are about.
Celeste – Build a place of hope, so that we may not walk past you, but with you
Key words:
- Sacrifice of Loved ones
- Remembrance
- Feeling
- Healing/Giving Back
- Educate
- Honor/Tribute
- Respect/Reflect
- Gratification
- Raise Awareness
- Community
- Citizen Soldier
Everyone take one week and e-mail Nancy with idea for mission statement.
PR Committee
Lori Wiggert
James Liedtka
Amanda Hensiak
- Compile photos of us in action
- Press release
- Might get our own website or use Highgrounds. Dave will check with Kirk
Design Committee
Cheryl Patrick
Steve Hiles
Janie Brockman
- Draft specification sheet for artist – some points to keep in mind
- IED
- Foot patrols
- Humvees
- Mountains
- Heat/Cold
- Youth
- Burden of load (backpacks)
- Sand
- High Wind
- Sand Storms
- Troops Compassion
- Hope
- Patriotism
- Tradition
Fundraising Committee
Everyone will be involved in this committee
- Pitch Page - highlighting points for donations.
- Talk to Gary Weirauch - Kirk Rodman
- Tim Donovan - legality – public affairs officer
Nominated Persian Gulf Tribute as name. Took oral vote and approved.
Reviewed outline prepared by Dave Barth.
Meeting date April 26th
Press Release needs to be drafted
List of media contacts needs to be compiled to get word out.
Information for Military Points of contact.
Kickoff Date
April 26th or May 10th
Need Artist requirements
Looking to get people involved
Need Mission Statement
