Local soldier memorial fundraiser to happen Thursday
On January 8, H.B. 2481 was introduced that would designate the portion of Kansas 96 Highway through Haven the “PFC Henry Lee Fisher Memorial Highway” after a local soldier who was killed in action in Vietnam.
H.B. 2481 passed both the Kansas house and senate with unanimous support and was signed into law by Governor Laura Kelly on April 18.
The family is responsible for the over $12,000 cost of the two memorial signs.
A fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, May 9 at the Baker Ballroom, located at 17 East 2nd Avenue in Hutchinson from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
All proceeds generated by the fundraiser go to pay for these memorial highway signs.
“This event will feature live music from local singer/songwriter Morgan Wilk, a catered taco bar, a cash bar, and a huge silent auction,” the official press release said. “We will also have a very special guest to perform the ‘Star-Spangled Banner.’”
Some of the silent auction items include
A Ride in a Cessna UC-78 WWII-era plane
Mother’s Day gift baskets
Midway Motors gift basket (includes an oil change and a full car detail)
Abilene Smoky Valley Train Ride for four
3pc. outdoor patio furniture set from Bold Corporate
Weekend golf outing at Firekeeper Course in Topeka
Tickets for the fundraiser are $35 and can be purchased online at vieyrahonorsfoundation.org/events or by calling 620-960-8215.
Fisher grew up in Haven and graduated from Haven High School in 1965. After graduation, he joined the army with two buddies but was denied due to a hernia discovered during his physical.
“He could have likely walked away at that point and avoided Vietnam but he had a strong and burning desire to serve his country just like his father did during WWII,” the press release said.
Fisher came home, had surgery to repair the hernia, and went back. He was assigned to the 16th infantry- 1st infantry division and sent to the frontlines of Vietnam. Fisher would never return home as he was killed in action in 1967.