Salem Government #14F: Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial

Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial on August 12, 2007

The Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial is the newest memorial at the veteran's building. With a fairly large fountain and a wall of the names of those lost, this large memorial dominates the site (technically the Medal of Honor Memorial is larger, but only if you include the trees).

Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial on August 12, 2007

The memorial was sponsored by the Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Fund. President and Vice President Clay & MJ Kesterson lost their son Erik Kesterson in Iraq. Tim Mahalak served as Secretary and Treasurer.

Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial on August 12, 2007

The memorial was created by architect Jane Honbeck, artist Judy Phipps and project manager Bill McMichael, with State Representative Donna Nelson.

Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial on August 12, 2007

The memorial was dedicated "to all those from Oregon who served and to the heroes we lost" on November 11, 2006, in a ceremony with Governor Ted Kulongoski and Director of Veterans Affairs Jim Willis.

Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial on August 12, 2007

When unveiled, the memorial fountain did not have a fence around it, but the fence was added soon after.

Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial on August 12, 2007

The memorial's list of those lost is updated occasionally to keep it up to date. As of August 12, 2007, it read as follows:

AFGHAN-IRAQI FREEDOM MEMORIAL – Freedom Isn’t Free

Bryan P. Bertrand LCPL, USMC Brandon S. Tobler SPC, USA Frederick E. Pokerney, Jr. 1LT, USMC Donald R. Walters SGT, USA POW Gregory L. Stone MAJ, USAF Aaron J. Contreras CAPT, USMC Robert A. Stever SSG, USA Joshua D. McIntosh HN, USN Travis J. Bradach-Nall CPL, USMC Christopher R. Willoughby SFC, USA David S. Perry SSG, USA Erik C. Kesterson WO1, USA Joseph M. Blickenstaff SPC, USA Christopher J. R. Wesley SPC, USA Nathan W. Nakis SPC, USA Eric F. Cooke CSM, USA Travis A. Moothart SGT, USA William C. Ramirez PFC,USA Philip G. Rogers SPC,USA Gary F. Van Leuven LCPL, USMC Chase R. Whitham SPC,USA Bob W. Roberts LCPL, USMC Joseph A. Jeffries SPC, USA Justin L. Eyerly SGT, USA Justin W. Linden SPC, USA Erik S. McCrae 1LT, USA Eric S. McKinley SPC, USA James B. Huston, Jr. LCPL, USMC Bryan P. Kelly LCPL, USMC Ken W. Liesten SPC, USA Benjamin W. Isenberg SGT, USA David J. Weisenburg SSG, USA Aaron R. Boyles LCPL, USMC David W. Johnson SGT, USA Jeremy A. Christensen SPC, USA David A. Mitts SGT, USA Edwin W. Roodhouse SPC, USA

Damien T. Ficek SGT, USA Nainoa K. Hoe 1LT, USA James L. Moore CPL, USMC Mark C. Warren SFC, USA Adam J. Plumondore SGT, USA Kevin D. Davis SSG, USA Steven W. Thornton MAJ, USA Kevin S.K. Wessel SPC, USA Aaron A. Kent HN, USA Ricky W. Rockholt, Jr. SPC, USA Jacob M. Simpson SGT, USA John B. Ogburn, III SSG, USA Jeffrey A. Lucas ET1, USN Tane T. Baum SSG, USA Adrian B. Stump WO1, USA Vernon R. Widner SPC, USA Tyler J. Troyer LCPL, USMC William B. Meeuwsen SGT, USA John M. Holmason LCPL, USA Michael S. Zyla SSG, USA Ryan D. Walker SPC, USA Marques J. Nettles HM3, USA Jeremy M. Loveless CPL, USA Robert L. Jones SPC, USA Thomas L. Tucker PFC, USA POW Jason M. Evey SSG, USA Christopher T. Pate CAPT, USMC Marc A. Lee AO2, USA Joseph R. Blake PVT, USA Randy L. Newman LCPL, USMC Richard J. Henkes, II SFC, USA Robert J. Paul SSG, USA Nathaniel B. Lindsey SGT, USA Chase A. Haag CPL, USA Dean R. Bright PFC, USA Derek W. Jones LCPL, USMC Douglas C. DesJardins SPC, USA

Billy B. Farris CPL, USA Brennan C. Gibson SGT, USA Sean P. Fennerty SGT, USA Ryan J. Hill SPC, USA Brian A. Browning SPC, USA Long N. Nguyen SGT, USA Nathanial D. Windsor LCPL, USMC John S. Stephens SFC, USA Nicholas J. Lightner SGT, USA Brett A. Walton PFC, USA Michael L. Vaughn SGT, USA Dale G. Peterson LCPL, USMC

The Governor's Office maintains a current list. See Oregon's Most Honorable.

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