Local Boy Scout honors veteran through Life Badge project

Southeast Missouri has a strong connection to veterans. Carson Retter, 12, of Cape Girardeau, had a special part in honoring one.

Retter is a Boy Scout and was in need of a project for his Life Badge. His scoutmaster, Joe Wolsey, recommended he install a plaque honoring Pfc. Richard C. Wilson for the Legacy Wall at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3838.

Wilson was a Medal of Honor recipient. He graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School and served in the Korean War. Wilson's sister donated a plaque and his medals to the VFW hall. The VFW Hall is named partly in his honor.

Wolsey is a member of the VFW building committee, and thought installing Wilson's plaque would be a good project for Retter. Retter agreed.

"It's this heavy, 19-by-25-inch plaque that tells Richard Wilson's story," Retter said. "I got involved in all this because I needed a project to advance to the next rank. The requirements for this project stated that it had to be a carefully planned and would benefit the community."

John Dragoni, left, and Carson Retter walk along the Legacy Wall outside Cape Girardeau VFW Post 3838 on Aug. 20. (Laura Simon)

After discussing the project and its general design with his dad, Retter move forward with the planning efforts.

"When I got home, I drew up a more precise and accurate sketch," Retter said. "I also wrote up instructions on how to build it."

Retter contacted John Dragoni, who is in charge of the Legacy Wall. Due to the plaque's size and composition, it would require a special mounting apart from the wall itself. Other challenges were taken care of and Retter began work on the project with the help of his father, Wolsey and Wolsey's father Joseph.

"First, we dug a hole to put the base. Next, we put the mold for the concrete in. Then, we poured some small rocks in for better drainage. Next, we put down two 3-inch PVC pipes. Then, we started to pour the concrete. We smoothened it out and put the plaque in. We then took out the supports and let it dry." Retter said.

Retter returned the next day to clean up.

Retter said he enjoyed the project, and also recognizes its significance.

"This was a really fun project," Retter said. "This is important because the place is named after three people. His, (Wilson's) name is on the wall and he has the Medal of Honor."

The Legacy Wall began in 2007. Dragoni believed it would be a good way to raise funds for the VFW Hall. The Legacy Wall's purpose is to memorialize a loved one, either alive or deceased, and does not need to be a veteran. There are several hundred commemorations at the Legacy Wall and space is available for more.

Dragoni said the Legacy Wall is an important way to remember and thank those who served in wars. He added that the wall is "a rewarding thing for those who participated."

The Legacy Wall is located at 1049 North Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau and can be visited at any time. For more information go to www.vfwpost3838.org or call 334-4438.

apicar@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

1049 North Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.