T-R FILE PHOTO
From this July 5, 2016 photo, a few of the dozens of attendees to the Marshall County Freedom Rock dedication at Marshalltown’s American Legion Post No. 46 study the painting of Private First Class Harry Phipps, Marshall County’s first Korean War casualty.

Put simply, Ron Estabrook of Marshalltown said he is proud of the Marshall County Freedom Rock.

“I am happy with how it turned out,” he said. “Everyone who has talked to me said they are pleased with it too.”

The U.S. Army and Vietnam veteran, along with a committee of local Post 46 American Legionnaires, started work on the labor intensive project nearly five years ago.

At 9 a.m. July 4, 2016, the Freedom Rock was dedicated fittingly, on legion grounds.

Hundreds attended.

“Freedom is Never Free,” is the rock’s theme. Portraits of the late Frank Lewis Glick, the first Marshall County casualty of World War I; the late Adm. Jack Fletcher, a Marshalltown native famed for World War II and other exploits, Harry C. “Sonny” Phipps, Marshall County’s first Korean War casualty; the late Darwin Judge, a Vietnam War casualty; and the late Scott Nisely, killed during the War on Terror, are depicted.

The rock, placed in its current location in the summer 2014, also shows each conflict with the American flag draped over the top.

With graffiti sometimes a problem in Marshalltown and nationwide, the rock is protected with a clear substance which would allow graffiti to be washed off.

Artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II of Greenfield completed the Marshall County version of his famed “Freedom Rock” in late February 2016. The artist has a local connection, his uncle Ted lives in the Marshalltown area. The local rock was modeled after Sorensen’s first “Freedom Rock” painted and installed near Greenfield in 1999.

He made a personal challenge to paint a Freedom Rock in all 99 Iowa counties.

Estabrook and the committee’s aggressiveness paid huge dividends, as news of the project spread with interest and donations followed.

Not only does the project honor Marshall County veterans, it is a testimonial to the generosity of many Central Iowans and those elsewhere who made the project possible.

Significant amounts of donated time, labor and funds are exemplified — from the initial project design, to a Marshall County farmer’s donation of the rock, to many memorial bricks.

Additionally, flagpoles, several memorial benches, bricks and lights were installed.

Estabrook said memorial bricks may be purchased for $50.

“The orders keep coming in,” he said. “To order, folks may go to the American Legion Lounge and pick up an order form.”

Val Ruff, executive director of the Marshalltown Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the rock has become a popular attraction for out-of-town visitors.

“Inquiries are increasing,” she said.

The Freedom Rock site is being enhanced even more.

Fellow veteran and legionnaire Kevin Huseboe of Marshalltown and team have worked aggressively raising funds to install a sidewalk, memorial benches and lighting to the Vietnam-era F-4 jet nearby.

Huseboe said he was pleased with the fundraising to date, and the sidewalk is almost done.

However, like many Central Iowans, he is anxious for rains to stop so contractors can finish.

He had originally target Memorial Day as a completion date, but revised it to July 4.

If rains continue, Huseboe may have to reschedule again.