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National Guard unit plans park to honor fallen guardsman
The 2-149th Aviation Regiment based in Grand Prairie plans to build a memorial park to honor its seven members that were killed while serving in Iraq supporting the Global War on Terrorism.
The guardsmen were killed on September 17, 2008 when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter went down while flying a convoy mission near Basra, Iraq.
Unit spokesman Captain Randy Stillinger said the unit plans to build a park at the unit’s headquarters in Grand Prairie that will be situated so it overlooks the unit’s flight line. He said the park will have seven benches each under a new shade tree. The benches and trees will surround a bronze Soldier’s Cross and a memorial marker dedicated to the “Red River 44” crew.
Although Home Depot and Pavestone are helping the unit defray the cost Captain Stillinger said, the unit is doing a fundraiser to pay for the park and a fitting tribute to the fallen Soldiers. The unit hopes to raise $15,000.
For the fundraiser the unit is accepting donations for the following:
- $200 – for each of seven trees
- $200 – for each of seven benches
- $70 – for one 12x12 inch Tuscan paver with engraving
- $25 – for one 12x12 inch Tuscan paver without engraving
Along with these listed items, donations of any amount made out to “2-149th Family Readiness Group” can be sent to:
2-149th Family Readiness Group
C/o CPT Randy Stillinger
1013 Lakecrest Drive
Grand Prairie, TX 75051
Captain Stillinger said he hopes to have the money raised and the park built in time for the unit’s homecoming celebration in September and the planned “Red River 44” memorial service on September 13.
For more information, contact Captain Stillinger at 512-782-3617 or via email.
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