Veterans Memorial Park honors heroes with new helicopter

By Melody Pope

Correspondent

MONROE — For the survivors of seemingly impossible situations, finding sanctuary – however critical – is no easy task.

Nonetheless, Larry and Karen Ayres have accomplished just that.

“There are veterans who come here to find comfort,” Larry Ayres said of the Green County Veterans Memorial Park in Monroe.

He and his wife Karen describe the park as tranquil, hallowed grounds, meant to honor and comfort veterans.

The park has been an ongoing project since 2004, and is completely donation-funded.

“[Other places] start out with $150,000 just given to them,” Karen said of their financing situation. “So they were able to do a lot right away.”

Being only funded by individual and business donations creates an additional challenge that the Ayres have met with nothing short of determination.

Currently, the Ayres and the committee members of the park are working together to gather enough funds to refurbish and mount a Huey helicopter they have purchased.

The Huey helicopter is a staple among serviceman of rescue and survival, thus having a distinct emotional impact on many veterans.

On Saturday, April 2, a dinner will be held at 5 p.m. at Turner Hall to raise funds for the refurbishing and mounting of the helicopter.

A dance will be held after the dinner and will begin at 6 p.m. The event will feature a silent auction all evening.

Tickets can be purchased at Behring Senior Center, Woodford State Bank, or any Sugar River Bank, or by phone call to a committee member.

Karen can be reached at (608)-558-9196, or Larry at (608)-558-9198.

For more information about donations or the memorial, visit www.greencountyveterans.org.

Courtesy photo

Larry and Karen Ayres admire the helicopter they hope to refurbish and display at the Green County Veterans Memorial Park.