Firebase (Florida) Chapter 594:
The Iraq War Veterans Monument

BY D. REX CLARK

“Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.”

VVA’s pledge was reaffirmed when the Iraq War Monument, co-sponsored by members of Firebase (Florida) Chapter 594, was dedicated on November 10 at Eco Preserve in Cape Coral. The monument is a glossy, white marble star that stands seven-and-a-half feet tall and is eighteen inches thick. It may be the first in the nation to honor veterans of both the Gulf War and the Iraq War.

The Iraq War Monument has joined seven other monuments at Eco Preserve, including the Korean War Monument, the Vietnam Memorial Stone, and the Iwo Jima Monument. Eco Preserve is located on the main bridge crossing from Cape Coral to Ft. Myers. The eight monuments are clearly visible to the fifty thousand vehicles that travel this highway every day.

Army Master Sergeant Jeff Rousey, who served two tours in Iraq—one in 1991 during the Gulf War and one in 2003 during the Iraq War—and received two Bronze Stars and a Silver Star, spoke during the dedication ceremony. “A grateful thanks to the Vietnam veterans for not forgetting veterans who have gone to battle after them,” he said. “Every veteran who served in Iraq is appreciative of the honor that is depicted in the Iraq War Monument. It is a permanent honor for their service.”

When the Iraq War officially ended in 2011, Cape Coral Mayor John Sullivan proposed a permanent monument. A committee was created. High school student Xavier Pinero came up with the star design. Chapter 594 member Alan Classon became the project manager, and chapter member Gary Bowler helped with the fund-raising.

Any Iraq War veteran from Southwest Florida or any resident of the area who has a family member who served in Iraq may have a dog tag placed on the monument. Classon owns a machine that makes dog tags. Each one lists the veteran’s name, rank, branch of service, unit, and home town. Silver dog tags indicate veterans who served in Iraq; gold dog tags indicate veterans who lost their lives in Iraq. Four blue dog tags will be attached to the monument to honor the four Medal of Honor recipients from the Iraq War.

Email iraqmonument@yahoo.com for more information.