Last MONTH WE published a story about Emporia being one of five communities considered for the $30-million Fallen Warrior Memorial.
The artist’s conceptual renderings were impressive and since the article was published many have come forward asking what they could do to help convince organizers that Emporia is the perfect location and not the other towns being considered (which are Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan and Junction City).
If people would like to help, there are a couple of things that can be done.
• First, contact the organizers and let them know why Emporia should be selected. They can be contacted at: AFWMF, PO Box 370, Lawrence Kansas 66407.
• Secondly, for this memorial to become a reality it will take lots of fundraising. If you would like to pledge an amount of money for this memorial to be put in Emporia you can do it through the Emporia Community Foundation. The pledge would say that if their project moves forward and Emporia is selected that you would be happy to make a contribution at a later point. To make a pledge, contact the Emporia Community Foundation at 342-9304.
There are many hurdles for this project to become a reality but, as we have said before, Emporia is the perfect location for the memorial.
Emporia is the center of four highways which bring millions of travelers to our doorsteps. Emporia has perfect frontage along the interstate that would make this memorial a major showpiece. But what makes Emporia special is our heritage. As the founding city of Veterans Day we have honored veterans for more than 58 years. This memorial would be a perfect fit for the vision of Alvin King in honoring veterans.
We can all do our part to let the organizers know that Emporia is the only place for the Fallen Warrior Memorial.
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
CHRIS,
WHAT PART OF FEDERAL LAWSUIT BETWEEN THE 2 FOUNDATIONS, DON'T YOU GET! keep emporia out of it!! we have rocks to pay for.....
July 6, 2011 at 12:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mds (anonymous) says...
While I would love to see something like this built in Emporia I have to agree with scarlett01_98. Just ask anyone in Leavenworth how offer went down.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/54135371/Un...
July 6, 2011 at 6:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mds (anonymous) says...
BTW they have only raised "$13,000" for a $30 million memorial.
Read more here
http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/highl...
July 6, 2011 at 6:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
thank you mds. i hate having to yell but chris just won't listen. the two foundations used to be one, until a falling out and they split. lawsuit was filed in u s district court in dallas. they should fight it out, not us.
July 6, 2011 at 7:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
wow, leavenworth times and city commish seem to get it. good article mds
July 6, 2011 at 7:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
To some people the following comments might lead one to believe that our town isn't patriotic, but I say that it is patriotic because this is what true freedom is all about. The right of free speech is what I fought for in Vietnam and that made all the protesters less burdensome to me. THE RIGHT OF FREE SPEECH IS THE MONUMENT TO AMERICA.
July 6, 2011 at 8:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
The Secretary of State needs to understand that you can not have Liberty unless you are willing to give it to another country.
July 6, 2011 at 8:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
The fire of molech. This powerfull message was given on June 12, 2011. Well worth your time.
July 6, 2011 at 9 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://chuckbaldwinlive.com/home/?p=3683
July 6, 2011 at 9:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Chris, I would suggest that there are way too many questions about this outfit to give them your support.
A suggestion:
For those who really want to honor veterans with a donation please consider donating your time or money to the Colmery- O'Neil V.A. hospital in Topeka. Memorials are nice, but good health care for vets makes a bigger difference.
July 6, 2011 at 9:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
STEVE, I am thinking about promoting a new parking garage at the VA hospital in Topeka. It seems like you have to walk a mile to get there.
July 6, 2011 at 10:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://www.lewrockwell.com/roberts/ro...
July 6, 2011 at 10:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Well reddog, parking is a major hassle at the V.A. hospital. But in my opinion the care received is worth it.
July 7, 2011 at 6:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ConcernedCitizen1 (anonymous) says...
I would have to agree wit Scarlett on this one. I bought all the lawsuit info that is available online and it seems to me that this AFWMF are making it all about the trademark issues and not all the others like breach of fudiciary duty, breach of contract, no compete clause etc. I guess they are just trying to beat around the bush. I think the article on Wikilinks and CNN Ireport says it best.
http://julianassangelinks.blogspot.co...
Just to make it clear, Ms Evans (Mundy) and Mrs Taylor worked for the USFHF not that they were one. Ms. Evans wanted to take over but the board of directors wouldn't let her. I have listened to the recorded board meeting and all I hear is Mr Summers and the Board trying to get Ms. Evans and Mrs. Taylor to abide by the Bylaws of the USFHF.
July 11, 2011 at 6:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SemperFi (anonymous) says...
In my research this is a truly beautiful Kansas and international opportunity to share something once in a lifetime special in this place I know and love as the Heartland.
August 8, 2011 at 5:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SemperFi (anonymous) says...
Our City of Emporia as well as KCK has done a great thing in offering land to stand on and remember and only shows a devotion to those who gave ALL. It is sad that some people in this world enjoy distributing one side of an issue and false information to breed ignorance, doubt and hysteria for what purpose I can only guess is not honorable. Please do your own research and to those extremely negative persons please check your facts and interpretations of public records before you continue to slander further what I believe is a DEVINE mission to provide HOPE and Healing and HONOR to those that have Sacrificed the ultimate gift for OUR Freedoms.
August 8, 2011 at 5:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
well then semper fi, you write the 30 million dollar check. i read the public documents. the foundation is a SCAM! why do you think all the other cities bowed out? and the land is not going to be donated!!
August 8, 2011 at 5:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SemperFi (anonymous) says...
I applaud the city of Emporia for doing their own research and seeing so clearly what I believe is Heaven sent. I am blessed to be breathing today as 30 plus 7 honorable souls are not and have been snuffed out in one of the worst USAF helicopter massacres in this present day campaign. This request for land in Emporia Kansas to build upon in my open minded and well educated understanding is not about ME, YOU or that Foundation it is about THEM, the Fallen. Don’t get caught up or lost in what becomes obvious personal vendettas. Do your own homework and call the sources directly and get person to person information and not second hand information that is leaving out important details, is false or a selfish attempt to thwart something that will come to pass and be truly honorable and magnificant. I dont want you to take my cyber word or any others in this line of comments. Call AFWMF directly, ask questions and hear and feel for yourself how Devine this memorial in OUR heartland will be. Sincerely, A Heartfelt Lifelong Kansas Woman and Friend of the Semper Fi
August 8, 2011 at 6:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
semper fi that was not a asaf helicopter. do your homework. AND IF YOU want to be a part of that SCAM, then you write the 30 million dollar check. maybe they will shake your hand.
August 8, 2011 at 6:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
usaf heli
August 8, 2011 at 6:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
SemperFi,
Before you start thowing out accusations of " Slander " and promoting something as " Devine " , perhaps you should education yourself and do some research on both the meaning of " Slander " and " Devine " !
August 8, 2011 at 6:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
my first thought was semper fi was defending christina devine
August 8, 2011 at 6:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SemperFi (anonymous) says...
It is divinely appropriate that you misspell a word you so rudely like to point out is wrong. USAF and Navy Seals worked together on that day bonehead, Do your homework Einstein. You loose site of the issues in your hatred for what purpose I do not know. If I had 30 million today or tommorow I would write the check and then some. It really only takes 50 cents from 15million people that have a heart and brains like I do to make this happen for the families that have given so much. I see through your vendetta and hatred and your obvious closed and overly hypo and critical mind.
August 8, 2011 at 6:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
ohhh now i see, you are part of that ripoff foundation. put your money where your mouth is.
August 8, 2011 at 6:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SemperFi (anonymous) says...
I know what slander is and I know what Devine is. If the shoe fits wear it.
It is sad that some people in this world enjoy distributing one side of an issue and false information to breed ignorance, doubt and hysteria for what purpose I can only guess is not honorable. Please do your own research and to those extremely negative persons please check your facts and interpretations of public records before you continue to slander further what I believe is a DEVINE mission to provide HOPE and Healing and HONOR to those that have Sacrificed
August 8, 2011 at 6:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
chinook helicopters are army not usaf get your facts straight. and what do you know about sacrafice, other than sacrafice of others money...
August 8, 2011 at 6:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SemperFi (anonymous) says...
I do my research and get my information first hand which is obviously something the ones with the well fitting shoes do not.
Yes I will gladly be a part of the AFWMF because I do my homework and I know something Devine when I see it, hear it, reasearch it and feel it.
I have no time for snug shoes negative energy and just here to invite others to get their own first hand info. I myself will be busy watching and supporting the most splectacular monument of Hope and Remembrance being built somewhere over the rainbow here in Kansas.
August 8, 2011 at 6:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
looks like kb thomas got a new id, where is that iggy button....
August 8, 2011 at 6:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SemperFi (anonymous) says...
Speech without Reason is Ignorance therefore you are forevermore ignored. I have Gods work to do. You keep doing yours and see where it gets you in this life.
Semper Fi
August 8, 2011 at 7:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Semper Fidelis,
(ALWAYS FAITHFUL)
You are certainly entitled to your opinion, we all are. My opinion is we don't need another memorial to honor our members of the armed forces. We have a very nice one here in Emporia now. It is a work in progress and could use some donated funds also.
47 Americans lost their life in Afghanistan last week. If we really want to honor our fallen warriors, we should make sure there is adequate health care, and jobs for those who ARE coming back.
And we can exercise OUR DUTY to contact our elected officials and demand a quick withdrawal of our American troops back to their homes here in the U.S.
August 8, 2011 at 7:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SemperFi (anonymous) says...
I hear your concerns Steve. I appreciate your oppinion. The way I understand the AFWMF and or the Gold Star Wall to be is an enhancement and an addition to any other memorial already built. It is funded by private citizens, corporations and not government. A government that is already not able to foot the bill of what our men and women need when they come back from serving our country.
With the direction and passion of the people I have met involved in the AFWMF I can see them working to ensure some of these needs are met and the slack is picked up from some of the revenue that a 30 million dollar ongoing visible memorial and educational site will bring. Your concerns are also some of my concerns and I am one to think outside of the box to say thank you and then to help in a positive way. I value your opinion and hear your reasoning.
If not in Emporia I am sure it will be in Kansas and it will be a blessing to many for many years to come. Thank you.
Always Faithful to the Mission
August 8, 2011 at 7:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
SemperFi,
Hows this for research and facts,
Sunday, May 29, 2011
War Profiteering in Leavenworth
Bradley Manning was recently transferred US penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. Behind the scenes the city is being pressured to donate 15-30 acres of land by Tonya Evans ceo and 'co-founder' the American Fallen Warrior Memorial Foundation (AFWMF). The AMFWMF plans to build an elaborate memorial to the fallen soldiers ranging from the Gulf War to ongoing conflicts today. The AFWMF is in a state and federal lawsuit for alleged intellectual property theft from a non-profit organization in Texas 'the United States Fallen Heroes Foundation' (USFHF). Allegations ranging from 'cybersquatting, trademark infringement, unfair competition and trademark dilution...deceptive trade practices, breach of contract breach of fiduciary duty, and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage.' [1]
Corruption rots at the core of the original USFHF where founder Evan Walter Coleman aka Walter E Coleman forged a document from the IRS misrepresenting the organization as an actual non-profit charity and representing himself as a veteran when he was not. He resigned two days after a local news investigation. The USFHF targeted small places like schools churches and local business's. The Texas Attorney General charged Walter Coleman for unlawfully soliciting funds and diverting funds for personal use. Walter Coleman was replaced by Marine veteran Larry Summers. The USFHF is as of April of 2011 a legally registered tax-exempt charity.
continued
August 8, 2011 at 8:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
continued
Defendants in the USFHF vs AFWMF lawsuit and 'co-founders' of the AMFWMF are Tonya Evans aka Tonya Mundy and Kathryn Taylor aka Kat Taylor. Both of whom worked for the USFHF; Evans a volunteer turned executive director and her executive assistant Kat Taylor. Rumors became apparent to Larry Summers at an event in Tooele when people begain to inquire when he planned to resign. More rumors inside the organization began about misuse of funds that were raised at the Tooele event. Paperwork for the 'I Gave 50 cents' campaign fundraising from schools were not received. Evans and Taylor had also not signed the USFHF's code of conduct along with the confidentiality and conflict of interest policies. Tonya Evans and Kat Taylor where asked to cease all actions until the paperwork was received. Evans and Taylor agreed to sign the paperwork, but instead of doing so they demand for Larry Summers to resign as president of the USFHF or they would quit. Shortly after Taylor and Evans failed to take over the USFHF they started a smear campaign on Facebook alleging that funds were again being misappropriated by the USFHF.
Taylor went on to base the AMFWMF upon the intellectual property of the USFHF. Now Evans and Taylor are trying to bring the AMFWMF to Kansas asking the city of Leavenworth for an answer by tomorrow (May 30th). As shown in a city commission study session and special meeting. Just before the Bradley Manning rally scheduled on June 4th. Other towns listed as being contacted by Tanya Evans include Topeka, Manhattan, Lawrence and Kansas City.
SemperFI, don' t be so gulible/naive and quick to judge others on their ability to research and discern what they see and read .
August 8, 2011 at 8:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
There are two things to remember about these people.
1. They don' t want to purchase land, they want land to be donated.
2. They are wanting/needing $30 million dollars to be " Donated " in the worst economic times this country has seen in decades . And quite possibly may get even worse. I would ask, how much has Tonya Evans (Mundy ) or Kathryn (Kat) Taylor donated to their worthy cause ?
As the old Danish fish monger would say, " if it doesn' t smell like fresh fish, then it is " Rotten " !
August 8, 2011 at 8:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
meth,
you are my hero! thank you for reposting that!!! : )
August 8, 2011 at 8:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
I think we have a troll folks, try not to feed it.
August 8, 2011 at 9:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
TWO QUOTES from Semper Fi
That I would bring up.
Quote 1.
"It really only takes 50 cents from 15million people that have a heart and brains like I do to make this happen for the families that have given so much."
MY RESPONSE:
I don't know where your math is coming from,
(probably your heart),
but fifty cents from 15 million people does not equal 30 million dollars.
Quote 2;
"Do your own homework and call the sources directly and get person to person information and not second hand information that is leaving out important details, is false or a selfish attempt to thwart something that will come to pass and be truly honorable and magnificant. I dont want you to take my cyber word or any others in this line of comments. Call AFWMF directly, ask questions and hear and feel for yourself how Devine this memorial in OUR heartland will be."
My Response:
Doing your homework is fine, but an intelligent person would also consider the source itself, (AFWMF), to be a biased source. Hence the information coming from them may also be biased to their cause.
August 9, 2011 at 6:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Semper Fi,
Be very careful about leading with your heart. These organizations know people often think with their emotions and they depend on that. Be wary of bandstand thinking, the most dangerous kind.
Read what methusla has said. Folks on this forum often do serious research and know what they're talking about.
Emporia already has a fine Veteran's Memorial. Today, I plan to place some flowers in remembrance of our American heroes who were killed when their chopper was downed in Afghanistan a few days ago. Their remains will arrive back home today. I hope others will join me.
August 9, 2011 at 7:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I would also like to say that just because I oppose any such monetarily draining endeavor at the present time, does not mean that I do not want to or don' t honor/remember any and all fallen warriors of America ! Even though I do not know them by name, does not mean I do not honor them in my own way .
I do honor each and every fallen warrior of America, each and every day by remembering them and honoring them with thoughts of praise, a silent " Thank You ", and a prayer for them and their personal sacrifices and their families sacrifices . And this includes fallen and maimed friends and my own past and present family members and anyone who has chosen to place themselves and their lives, between myself and Americas' enemies, whether that enemy is foreign or domestic, National Army, Navy, Airforce, Terrorist, organized group or individual . Whether it be my own government or a government of foreign origin.
I believe, that most of us do not need a $30 million memorial to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to and for our freedom . At least not at the present time. And I for one have educated my children and my grandchildren to the sacrifices of their ancestors, relatives, and their friends to their sacrifice/price of thier freedom and continued freedom and to honor them and their sacrifices each and every day, in their own way, but in a respectful manner !
Even now as I sat here typing these words, I get emotional and teary eyed, remembering, lost or wounded/maimed, uncles, cousins, friends and families of all who have lost/sacrificed so much in the name of freedom, not only mine/your/ours, but the freedom of strangers in foreign lands.
No, I am one who does not need a costly " material " reminder of " those fallen warriors/heroes !
August 9, 2011 at 7:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I believe that the Emporia City Commission has been so " brain washed " into thinking that " Tourism " is the divine saving grace of Emporia, they no longer care about anything else . Thus the reason for the City of Emporia letter of intent to the AMFWMF !
JMO
August 9, 2011 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EmporiaRocks (anonymous) says...
SemperFi = Tonya Evans
August 9, 2011 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Here is something else to think about, which apparently the City Commission did not consider.
Since the co-founders of the AFWMF, Tonya and Kathryn, have been named as defendants in a Federal Lawsuit, could it possibly be that the money they are trying to collect, may be used in part or entirely for their lawyers, possible court fees and possible other fees to be paid to the plaintiffs' ?
Go to the following site if you wish to see the full court filing document .
http://www.scribd.com/doc/54135371/Un...
and read for yourself the complaint brought by the plaintiff .
August 9, 2011 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
all i can say is, my son will be home from afg in 8 days! and my heart still breaks for the 30 plus men that gave everything a few days ago.
my prayers go to their families.
when is matt coming home?
August 9, 2011 at 1:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SemperFi (anonymous) says...
And the truth below shall set them, ie the AFWMF (the real patriots) free.
Semper Fi = J Weber so get that straight you troll hugging hate mongering freaks. My math and spelling might not be right but my brain and heart are.
The below linked people are who started a frivolous harrasing malicsious lawsuit and whom you so crazily defend Methulsa and Steve Corbin Explain this link please to the readers of this forum.
http://www.wfaa.com/news/investigates...
August 31, 2011 at 9:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Nothing much to say, really. Other than the fact I don't see the need for, and have not defended either of these two organizations. They are not needed, (or wanted) by me to honor any veteran, past, present or future.
So when the announcement is made for the winning city this month, let us also hear how much has been raised for this and is in a bank. Are we any closer to the 30 million?
August 31, 2011 at 9:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SemperFi (anonymous) says...
I am sorry you are caught up in this Steve and I am sorry if I lumped you in with the rudeness on this forum by those that have defended the Texas based organization and the frivolous time wasting lawsuit against the AFWMF.
Methulsa get a grip if you did your research you would see the list of Pro Bono supporters the AFWMF has had come forth to include lawyers and PR and the list goes on because they are a legitimate reputable and honorable foundation unlike the one you have been supporting on this site.
My name is J Weber and I am honored to know and support the AFWMF.http://www.facebook.com/GoldStarWall
August 31, 2011 at 10:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SemperFi (anonymous) says...
http://www.facebook.com/GoldStarWall
August 31, 2011 at 10:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )