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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Hartland's helicopter monument to be dedicated Saturday
HARTLAND — The veterans' memorial at the Hartland Volunteer Fire Company on Ridge Road has passed its flight check and is ready for take-off Saturday morning. 'A little bit of caulking and it's done,' said Scott Wymyczak, commander of Legion Post 1253 Wednesday as he stood under the mounted Bell UH-1 'Huey' helicopter that is the centerpiece of the memorial site. The memorial features plaques on its pedestal and walls that honor veterans and their families from multiple eras. A walkway includes engraved bricks that community members have purchased. 'People are stopping left and right,' Wymyczak said. 'They tear up. They're speechless.' There will be many more of them when the monument is formally dedicated at 9 a.m. Saturday. The legion post has arranged six speakers to mark the occasion, followed by a showing of a local Vietnam veterans' video and an opportunity for veterans who present their DD214 record to register for benefits. Many local fire departments are expected to bring trucks. At noon, the town will celebrate its Hartland Community Day and Firemen Fundraiser with the opening of a new playground, live music, food and vendors, all to benefit the fire company. Organizers will reserve the parking lot next to the fire hall for elderly and disabled visitors, along with tent seating for 200. Other visitors are encouraged to bring a chair and park just down Landers Lane at the park, or at the highway department. Wymyczak said golf carts will shuttle people to the memorial area. Wymyczak is somewhat astonished that what was a groundbreaking last year on June 15, has turned into a fully realized monument in 12 months. Lisa Glena, adjutant for Gasport's American Legion Post 1253, said the post's members were dedicated to the project. 'Some people have just put their heart and soul into this for the past year — Scott being one and Cliff being another,' she said of Cliff Grant, the post's treasurer. The site made a big impression as soon as the helicopter was mounted in late April. 'It's absolutely beautiful — stunning,' said Peggy Zaepfel, supervisor for the Town of Hartland, at the time. 'We're so proud to have it in our town.' The helicopter includes operational headlights that shine at night and a sound system. Wymyczak said the monument plays the sound of a helicopter engine starting at 9 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The national anthem plays at noon, with taps heard at 9 p.m.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Hartland's helicopter monument to be dedicated on Saturday
HARTLAND — The veterans' memorial at the Hartland Volunteer Fire Company on Ridge Road has passed its flight check and is ready for take-off Saturday morning. 'A little bit of caulking and it's done,' said Scott Wymyczak, commander of Legion Post 1253 Wednesday as he stood under the mounted Bell UH-1 'Huey' helicopter that is the centerpiece of the memorial site. The memorial features plaques on its pedestal and walls that honor veterans and their families from multiple eras. A walkway includes engraved bricks that community members have purchased. 'People are stopping left and right,' Wymyczak said. 'They tear up. They're speechless.' There will be many more of them when the monument is formally dedicated at 9 a.m. Saturday. The legion post has arranged six speakers to mark the occasion, followed by a showing of a local Vietnam veterans' video and an opportunity for veterans who present their DD214 record to register for benefits. Many local fire departments are expected to bring trucks. At noon, the town will celebrate its Hartland Community Day and Firemen Fundraiser with the opening of a new playground, live music, food and vendors, all to benefit the fire company. Organizers will reserve the parking lot next to the fire hall for elderly and disabled visitors, along with tent seating for 200. Other visitors are encouraged to bring a chair and park just down Landers Lane at the park, or at the highway department. Wymyczak said golf carts will shuttle people to the memorial area. Wymyczak is somewhat astonished that what was a groundbreaking last year on June 15, has turned into a fully realized monument in 12 months. Lisa Glena, adjutant for Gasport's American Legion Post 1253, said the post's members were dedicated to the project. 'Some people have just put their heart and soul into this for the past year — Scott being one and Cliff being another,' she said of Cliff Grant, the post's treasurer. The site made a big impression as soon as the helicopter was mounted in late April. 'It's absolutely beautiful — stunning,' said Peggy Zaepfel, supervisor for the Town of Hartland, at the time. 'We're so proud to have it in our town.' The helicopter includes operational headlights that shine at night and a sound system. Wymyczak said the monument plays the sound of a helicopter engine starting at 9 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The national anthem plays at noon, with taps heard at 9 p.m.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rep. Cody Harris honors late Palestine war hero
Rep. Cody Harris (R – Palestine) honored the late Vietnam hero Capt. Curtis Fitzgerald with a special resolution Wednesday at the Texas Capitol in Austin. Fitzgerald, 77, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 4. Services were held Friday at Southside Baptist Church. Vietnam hero Capt. Curtis Fitzgerald I Vietnam hero Capt. Curtis Fitzgerald I 'Curtis Fitzgerald lived a rich and purposeful life, and he leaves behind a legacy of service to his country and his community that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him; now, therefore, be it resolved, that the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of U.S. Army Captain Curtis Wayne Fitzgerald and extend deepest condolences to his relatives and friends,' said Harris, reading the resolution on the House floor. Fitzgerald, a graduate of Palestine High School, went to Vietnam in 1969, where he flew Bell UH-1 'Huey' helicopters for the U.S. Army 189th Assault Helicopter Company. During his military career, Fitzgerald flew in five major operations, including the Battle of Hamburger Hill, the Siege of Ben Het, the invasion of Cambodia and the ongoing long-range Reconnaissance Patrols in Cambodia and Laos. As a pilot for the 'Ghostriders,' Fitzgerald was shot down six times during six years of active duty. As a result of his military service efforts, Fitzgerald received a Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars, 19 Air Medals and a Purple Heart. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, his son, Curtis Fitzgerald II, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
County remembers decorated war hero Capt. Curtis Fitzgerald I
Vietnam hero Capt. Curtis Wayne Fitzgerald I, 77, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 4. Services for Fitzgerald, under the direction of Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home, are set for 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at Southside Baptist Church. 'He was a great guy, he did a lot for the community and he did everything his way,' said friend Harold Sumrall. Sumrall said he and Fitzgerald had been friends since the third grade. Fitzgerald, a Palestine native and graduate from Palestine High School, is one of the most highly decorated veterans in Anderson County. In 1969, Fitzgerald went to Vietnam, where he flew Bell UH-1 'Huey' helicopters for the U.S. Army 189th Assault Helicopter Company. He flew in five major operations, including the Battle of Hamburger Hill, the Siege of Ben Het, the invasion of Cambodia and the ongoing long-range Reconnaissance Patrols in Cambodia and Laos. Capt. Curtis Fitzgerald I Capt. Curtis Fitzgerald I is one of the most highly decorated veterans in Anderson County. As a pilot for the 'Ghostriders,' Fitzgerald was shot down six times during six years of active duty. As a result of his military service efforts, Fitzgerald received a Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars, 19 Air Medals and a Purple Heart. After leaving the service, Fitzgerald continued to work closely with the Veterans Administration, various veterans service organizations and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder support groups. Curtis Fitzgerald Curtis Fitzgerald, right, shares a story with Harold Sumrall, left, and Mickey Hubert during a recent lunchtime meeting of The Group. In addition to his military activities, Fitzgerald started a real estate firm specializing in farm and ranch sales, served the Palestine community on the Parks and Recreation Board, the YMCA Board and founded the Anderson County Soccer Association. He is survived by his wife Sandra, his son Curtis Fitzgerald II, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Fitzgerald was honored by former U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling with a Congressional Record in a special ceremony in May 2008.
