T-R FILE PHOTO The Marshall County Freedom Rock on the grounds of the local American Legion Post No. 46 depicts the late Admiral Jack Fletcher, a Marshalltown native awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. Also included is Frank Lewis Glick, the first county casualty in World War I and Harry C. “Sonny” Phipps, the first county casualty from the Korean War. The late Darwin Judge of Marshalltown represents the Vietnam War, while the late Scott Nisely, the War on Terror. Artist was Ray “Bubba” Sorenson of Greenfield.

Two years of planning, coordination and fundraising by local American Legion Post No. 46 member Kevin Huseboe of Marshalltown has born fruit. On Monday, Huseboe said he and fellow American Legion Riders have raised $15,000 to construct a nine-foot wide sidewalk which will connect the Freedom Rock to the F-4 fighter jet in Marshalltown.

The popular tourist destinations are on legion grounds in the 1300 block of S. Sixth St.

Huseboe said the need to install a sidewalk grew from many comments made by local residents and visitors.

“For example, visitors from the Iowa Veterans Home visiting the Freedom Rock can not take their wheelchairs over the grass to the F-4 jet,” he said. “Construction will start this spring, with the goal – weather permitting – of the project being complete by Memorial Day, 2019. The length will be 495-feet. Rick Weitzell of Le Grand has been selected as contractor. The legion has had a good working relationship with him.”

Huseboe cited local businesses JBS and Mechdyne as making significant contributions to the project.

Joining them was the American Legion Auxiliary.

The sidewalk will be handicapped accessible and Huseboe wants to see lights and benches installed too.

The Freedom Rock was dedicated July 4, 2016. Fellow veteran Ron Estabrook worked at fund-raising more than two years before the project was complete.

“Freedom is Never Free,” is the rock’s theme.

For more information, or to make a donation or purchase one of 20 benches planned, contact Huseboe, 641-751-8954, or visit k.j.huseboe@mchsi.com.

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Contact Mike Donahey at 641-753-6611

or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com