The Greater Maple Valley Veterans Memorial Foundation (GMVVMF) is searching for names of veterans within your family or your neighborhood. Specifically they are looking for names of veterans who were Tahoma High School graduates, veterans who lived within Tahoma School District’s historical boundaries for a time of not less than seven years, names of veterans from this area who were killed in action or missing in action.
GMVVMF is in the process of paperwork, groundwork, and construction of a “world class veterans memorial” in Maple Valley. The organization needs community input on local veterans to include their names on the memorial. Oblique lines of Tahoma’s veteran names from all U.S. wars and conflicts will line five walls inside the memorial. The walls represent all five branches of the military.
When asked how veteran names are determined and if a person can check to see if a family vet has been included, Brett Habenicht, president of GMVVMF, said, “There are such scattered places that people get their news. A lot of the time it is word of mouth. Use this opportunity to get the word out. It is often the case that one family name given to us turns into five vets we identify.” It is up to family members, friends, or neighbors to ensure that qualified veterans are noted. He added that forms are available online where eligibility requirements and other information is referenced so one can determine if a family member qualifies, www.facebook.com/GMVVMF.
Habenicht, a 1984 Tahoma High School graduate and U.S. Navy veteran, was featured speaker at the 2019 annual meeting of Maple Valley Historical Society. Veteran recognition was paramount at the meeting, along with personal history from those in attendance who had served this country. As president of GMVVMF, Habenicht’s business card was available to those who wanted to check eligibility and inclusion of family or vets in general by calling him, 206-571-2800.
“You can’t drive into Maple Valley without seeing it,” said Habenicht when referring to the signboard on Witte Road at Maple Valley Community Center’s southwest corner. “Go out and look at the rendering (see photo) of the memorial wall.” Currently, a rock path winds through a forested area from the front door of the Community Center downhill to the large sign.
Habenicht’s pride in Maple Valley and in veterans’ service and sacrifice to their country was almost palpable as he addressed the audience. “The great thing about Maple Valley,” he said, “is the sense of familiarity, sitting here along with my auntie, my dad, and so many that I know. And Maple Valley has such a great history of military service. These folks deserve our thanks.” The thank you is in the works as Habenicht described the world-class veterans memorial that will grace the grounds. The memorial will raise awareness of sacrifice made and will encourage memories of the “cost” of war and conflicts. “It will be so nice to be visiting both the Veterans Memorial and the Community Center,” he said. Even now, with just a signboard in place, visitors have been placing the American flag nearby.
Construction plans and funding for the memorial are complete. The Veterans Foundation is in the process of finishing agreements with various contractors. “Once the preparatory groundwork is finished, then we’ll be ready to go,” he said. Although another year is anticipated for the memorial’s completion, he cautioned that all work is accomplished through donation of volunteer time and labor, thus there is an unpredictable timeline for completion. Those who have experience in cement work, electricity, dirt work, tree removal, etc. are needed. When the memorial is complete, visitors will first see a small circular foundation inside another larger circle. A display of relevant flags including military, United States, and Washington State, is planned. A featured attraction is bright lighting that will remain on for 24 hours a day; lights in cones that cast upward, thus increasing visibility for drive-by and nighttime visibility.
Saturday, Dec. 14 is National Wreaths Across America day. In remembrance of veterans, wreaths are placed in Tahoma’s National Cemetery. It will also be a good day to remember to contact Brett Habenicht, 206-571-2800, with information or questions regarding a Tahoma graduate, family member, or Maple Valley neighbor who served this country. You can also reach Habenicht via email, brett@javajavacoffee.com.
