Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

October 15, 2008, Page 2

Transcribed by Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

The Highground planning Persian Gulf Tribute

By Peter Spicer

The Highground is planning to add a Persian Gulf Tribute and will choose one of six designs currently displayed at The Highground.

Neillsville resident, Persian Gulf veteran and Persian Gulf Tribute Board of Directors Chairman David Barth spearheaded efforts in 2005 to honor Persian Gulf veterans with a tribute at The Highground.  Barth helped form a Persian Gulf Tribute Committee.

The Persian Gulf Board of Directors met for the first time in December 2007; Persian Gulf Tribute Design, Public Affairs and Fundraising committees were also formed.

Artists throughout the country designed ideas for the Persian Gulf Tribute; six designs are currently displayed for The Highground visitors to view.  A panel of judges will recommend one design later this month.

The board of directors will approve a design in January, said The Highground donation Coordinator Julie Lawrence.  Some designs are more elaborate than others; the design chosen determine how much the tribute will cost and how much The Highground must raise to complete the project, she added.

Although the tribute will likely not be completed in 2009, the tribute could be dedicated in 2010, said Lawrence.

The tribute will provide a place of healing for Persian Gulf veterans as well as their families and friends, said Barth.