Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

June 1, 2011, Front Page

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Highground to receive $50,000 grant

By Peter Spicer

The Highground will receive a $50,000 U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant to expand its veteran’s memorial park.

The $50,000 will be a Rural Development Community Facility (RDCF) Grant from the USDA. The Highground will use the grant to pay for its Learning Center, which is already in use.  The Learning Center includes a handicapped-accessible meeting room and administrative office space. 

The remaining grant funds will be used to help maintain The Highground and help fund Learning Center events, said The Highground Volunteer General Manager Kirk Rodman Wednesday, May 25.

However, Rodman stated The Highground may not receive the funds for some time.

“[The grant has] been in the works for a long time,” stated Rodman, who explained The Highground worked with RDCF for approximately one and one-half years to obtain the grant.

U. S. Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) announced in a Tuesday, May 24 press release; The Highground will receive the grant.”

“Wisconsin Vietnam veterans responded to the call of their country and performed with honor and dignity,” said Kind.  “I am pleased to have been able to lend my support to the project on behalf of our men and women in uniform.  The new – Learning Center will be a valuable resource to the community and a great way to honor those who served.”

The Highground currently has approximately 120,000 visitors per year and is one of the only staffed veterans’ parks in the United States.

“The Rural Development Community Facility program has been our partner for a long time, and we are grateful they are helping us with this expansion to further our mission of healing and education,” said Rodman in the press release.  “With their help, we will be able to inform future generations about the unfortunate costs of war.”

The RDCF program goal is to improve the quality of life for rural residents through the provision of essential community facilities, such as healthcare, public safety and education. The program provides facilities, equipment and furnishings to house and provide these services; operating funds are not available through this program.

Rodman stated May 25, The Highground plans to work with RDCF to fund future Highground projects, such as a Persian Gulf Tribute.