All Veterans Memorial: Testimonials

Honorary Chairs
Senator Robert Dole
Senator Sam Brownback
Senator Pat Roberts
Representative Jim Ryun
Governor Kathleen Sebelius

Veterans Committee Chairs
Mike Welch

Veterans Committee Members
Jack Alexander
Chuck Bredahl
Roy Browning, Jr.
Jim Darnall
Don Debarge
John Desch
Jack Elliott
Bill Gahnstrom
Roy Hale
Harvey Harris
Willie Jackson
Tom Kennedy
Gail Laughlin
Ray Remp, Sr.
Rob Robinson
Gary Slimmer
Stanley Smith
Dale Vaughn
Calvin Warrem
George Webb
Dan Welch
Mike Welch
Gerald Worthington

Consultants
Bette Allen
Darrell Bencken
Tim Degginger
Beth Fager
Emery Fager
Brian Pitman
Eliot Potter
Max Prosser
Chuck Yunker

Home Page: Testimonials

The All Veterans Memorial will help keep alive the memory of those who have sacrificed in the service of our country, especially those who gave their lifeblood for the common welfare. The Memorial monument is an expression of gratitude to those who have served and it will preserve their spirit of service as an inspiration for future generations.

Jim Gravenstein, Navy, Korean War, Past National Vice-Commander, The American Legion and Co-Chairman of the All Veterans Memorial Planning Committee

Compliments to everyone who has provided planning and financial assistance to building of the great All Veterans Memorial at the Great Overland Station in historic North Topeka. The Memorial, along with the Corridor of Flags, BNSF Plaza and Ceremonial Flagpole, will serve as a place of honor to remember those who have served and those who will serve as members of the uniformed services of the United States. You are invited to visit often.

Jack Strukel, Major General, USA (Retired). Co-Chairman of the All Veterans Memorial Planning Committee and Member, Railroad Heritage, Inc., Board of Directors

The All Veterans Memorial will be a wonderful way of paying tribute to veterans and those serving in uniform. It has been a pleasure to serve on the Veterans Planning Committee, and I know the All Veterans Memorial will make us all proud.

Jack L. Elliott, Command Sergeant Major, USA, Retired

The All Veterans Memorial being built at the Great Overland Station in Topeka, Kansas, is a truly fitting tribute to all veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much in the service of our great nation. Appreciation is extended to those who have helped make this Memorial a reality.

Gary Slimmer, USAF (1959-1963), Retired teacher and school administrator

It makes me so proud to be part of the Veterans Committee that has worked so very hard to assist in building the All Veterans Memorial as a lasting tribute to all veterans of all times in the history of our nation. Of special importance was my opportunity to promote funding for the beautiful 60-foot ceremonial flagpole.

Roy Hale, Former US Army, Currently Adjutant of American Legion Post 410, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

The All Veterans Memorial at the Great Overland Station location will recognize and honor those that have served, are serving, and will serve this country to help keep the freedoms we all enjoy.

Raymond Remp, Sr., Technical Sergeant, USAF (retired)

The All Veterans Memorial is a wonderful idea to honor veterans and their families, plus the city of Topeka. It will serve to be a focal point for many gatherings, as a place for visitors to remember, and a place of learning. Let us support this important project with our time, effort and finances.

Dale Vaughn, Sergeant, USAF, Served in German following World War II, Currently an active author. The picture sketch to the right was done by a Munich Art Student during the occupation of Germany.

The magnificent display of flags as part of the All Veterans Memorial reinforces the proud commitment of those who have served and continue to serve in uniform. This Memorial will make us all proud, and serve as another avenue to education of youth on service to nation and mankind.

Michael C. Welch, 1st Lieutenant, US Army, Vietnam War and current President of BRB Contractors in Topeka, Kansas

The building of the All Veterans Memorial is important as we honor the courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty and country of all veterans for the freedoms we enjoy.

Donald Debarge, Chief Warrant Officer 2, USMC (Retired)

Kansans and all Americans must never forget the heroism and dedication to the United States of America and those who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces of our nation. This beautiful All Veterans Memorial will assist the living and future generations in honoring all veterans in our thoughts, in our words, and in our daily lives.

Chaplain (Colonel) Roy W. Browning, Jr., USAF (Retired)

The All Veterans Memorial is a stunning visual testament to the courage, ability and sacrifice of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. This memorial, placed in the magnificent historical setting of the Great Overland Station, bonds the past to the present and provides a timeless example, so aptly demonstrated by the veterans honored here, of placing sacred values above self in order to secure freedom and liberty for all. The All Veterans Memorial challenges each succeeding generation to do the same.

Colonel Dan Welch, USMC (Retired)
Veteran of Iraqi Freedom

As a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I can tell you that it is memorials such as this that honor the memory of all veterans, past and present. While they are gone, it is our solemn duty to make sure they are never ever forgotten. Semper Fi!

Ron Brown, Chief Warrant Officer 4, USMCR

The All Veterans Memorial being constructed at the Great Overland Station located in North Topeka represents a wonderful way to remember the sacrifices of our service men and women, plus their families. This Memorial will be beautiful and should attract many visitors. One of our challenges will be the maintenance required in the forms of flag replacements and Memorial repairs in the future. Your contributions towards this maintenance will be greatly appreciated. Please mail donations to the "AVM and Flag Maintenance Fund", c/o The Great Overland Station, PO Box 8792, Topeka, Kansas 66608. Thanks for your help.

Thomas Kennedy, Brigadier General, USA (Retired)