Donations sought to refurbish howitzer

Van Wert independent news

VENEDOCIA — A group headed by a Boy Scout seeking his Eagle Scout badge is currently soliciting funds to place an artillery piece in a local veterans park.

Patriotic Spencerville Junior High student and Eagle Scout nominee Dominic Adkins is leading an effort to place a 105-mm howitzer artillery piece formerly belonging to the U.S. Marine Corps in Venedocia’s Memorial Park.

Adkins worked through U.S. Representative Bob Latta and filled out the complex Marine Corps paperwork to obtain the cannon, which was decommissioned in Columbus. Prior to its being released for placement in the park, the cannon needs to be sandblasted and painted to be in agreement with the Marine Corps allocation for the artillery piece. The work needs to be done soon or the howitzer will be returned to the Marines.

Adkins is leading the effort to raise $1,500 in donations to pay for the renovation and the chain-enclosed pad for the piece. The piece is currently in the park for review.

Veteran John Lloyd, who began work on the park and has continued for the last 25 years, takes pride that Adkins was able to obtain the artillery piece. Lloyd was an artilleryman in the service and appreciates the cannon.

“Dominic Adkins exemplifies all that is great about America,” said the Rev. Thomas Emery, pastor of Salem Presbyterian Church in Venedocia. “He is hard working, honest, and caring about others.”

Rev. Emery added that the Eagle Scout nominee started the project and followed it to near completion, but needs assistance with raising the needed funds to complete a community monument to America’s fallen heroes.

Memorial Park is next to Venedocia Cemetery on Ohio 116, north of Venedocia.

A Memorial Day service will take place at the park at 11 a.m. Monday, May 30, featuring veteran Joel Hatfield as the speaker. The Lincolnview Marching Band will provide patriotic music for the event. Dedication of the artillery piece will take place afterward.

Donations can be sent to: The Memorial Park Cannon Project, P.O. Box 662, Venedocia, OH 45894.