Funds raised for installation of interstate signs honoring fallen soldiers

Less than three weeks after fundraising efforts kicked off, more than enough money has been raised for highway markers that will honor four of Southeast Missouri's fallen soldiers.

Nearly $9,000 has been given to the Heroes Way Interchange Designation Program for signs near interstate interchanges named in honor of those who died in military service while serving in Afghanistan or Iraq on or after Sept. 11, 2001. A fee of $2,200 includes maintenance and cost of two signs placed alongside an exit near the fallen solder's hometown.

Originally, Ross Gartman of Delta organized a Feb. 6 fundraiser at Gordonville Grill to pay for two signs alongside Interstate 55 in Cape Girardeau, exit 96, to honor Staff Sgt. Brad Skelton of Gordonville, who was killed Feb. 6, 2008.

The restaurant raised about $700 from a percentage of sales. Donations from customers and an anonymous gift of $2,200 pushed the total raised the day of the fundraiser to $5,700.

Others in the community soon stepped up, including eight car dealerships that donated about $275. They are Morlan Chrysler, Ward Hyundai, Crown Nissan, Cape Girardeau Honda, Coad Toyota, Ford Groves, McDowell South and Bening Mazda.

"This community has been supportive from the get-go," Gartman said. "That says a whole lot for this area of the state that they'd make an attempt to pull together and recognize those killed for sacrificing for our freedom. It's funny how this started in a small town like Gordonville and has grown as time passed."

Gartman said Gordonville Grill has been a pivotal part of the fundraising efforts because he and Skelton spent three days a week at the restaurant when they were not serving overseas.

"It holds some special memories for me, plus it's the local hub of the community," said Gartman, who served with Skelton for 16 years.

In addition to Skelton, three other soldiers will have signed erected at Interstate 55 interchanges. They are in honor of Cpl. Jeremy Shank of Jackson, whose signs will be placed near Center Junction, exit 99; Sgt. Robert Davis of Jackson, whose signs will be near Fruitland, exit 105; and Spc. Blake Hall of East Prairie, Mo., who will have his signs near Charleston, exit 58.

Gartman said the signs could be erected by Memorial Day.

Though the signs have yet to be placed in Southeast Missouri, one sign has already been erected in the St. Louis area. Missouri Department of Transportation spokesman Andrew Gates said that in late January the signs were placed at the Cape Springs, Mo., exit on Interstate 70 in honor of Cpl. Drew Weaver, a Marine who was killed in Iraq two years ago. Gates said no other such signs have been placed on interchanges since then.

With an extra $700 the fundraisers provided, Gartman hopes to establish a not-for-profit organization to pay for signs for other fallen soldiers in the state. Fundraisers to give money to the organization include a pork butt and shoulder sale March 13 and 14 at the National Guard Armory in Cape Girardeau. Orders are taken through March 8 by calling 803-0881 or 450-4211 or e-mailing missouriherosway@yahoo.com.

Donations may be dropped off at Gordonville Grill or mailed in the form of a check to 829 State Highway Z, Gordonville, MO 63752, payable to the Jackson Jaycees Charitable Foundation, designated to Heroes Way.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent addresses:

829 State Highway Z, Gordonville, MO 63752