As Emporia Police continue an investigation into recent vandalism at the All Veterans Memorial, local veterans continue a separate investigation into the repair costs to get the Huey helicopter back to normal.
Veterans discovered a sizeable hole in the back left window as they were placing flags on the Fourth of July. On KVOE’s Morning Show on Monday, veteran Frank Lowery said total costs could be around $2,500 because of the glass involved, the fact that it’s welded in place so the door may have to be removed and the Huey’s status of being on loan from the Iowa National Guard — meaning the repairs have to be done to the National Guard’s specifications.
Also last week, veterans discovered damage to the pilot’s fuselage window. That now is apparently from a separate vandalism incident — and will also be an expensive fix. Lowery says it could cost around $2,300 just for the replacement glass, with other costs like installation on top of that.
A fundraising effort has developed, and veteran Ron Whitney says the chopper will be fixed at some point soon.
Lowery was grateful for the community support. He was also disappointed in the recent acts of vandalism.
With the chopper on loan from the Iowa National Guard since 1999, Lowery says local veterans have to report annually on its upkeep and maintenance. He says veterans locally will gather all the repair cost information and finish the work before compiling a report for the Iowa National Guard. Separately, veterans may well restart a discussion about possibly adding security cameras to the memorial area after giving that addition serious consideration — but eventually deciding against it — several years ago.
Folks wanting to donate can mail checks to the All Veterans Memorial Association at Post Office Box 1632 in Emporia. People wanting to donate cash can call Whitney at 343-3247.
Police are investigating. No suspect information has been divulged. If you have information, call Police at 343-4200 or Lyon County Crime Stoppers at 342-2273. You can also use www.p3tips.com or the P3Tips mobile app.
