Josh R. Hanson Memorial Shelter update

The latest figure for last Sunday's very successful fundraiser in Detroit Lakes is $33,200! Since then, the roof for the shelter has been donated and a plumbing contractor is willing to donate their services and materials. It is hoped that a sink and unisex ADA approved toilet can be added to the shelter. Ranger Bob is optimistic that the shelter can be completed by the time Joshua's National Guard unit is scheduled to return from Iraq in late July. The family is overwhelmed by the generosity and most grateful to all who organized the fundraiser and all have contributed in so many ways.

In memory of Josh R. Hanson
August 22, 1979 – August 30, 2006

DETROIT LAKES AMERICAN LEGION
Spaghetti Feed - Auction and Silent Auction - Loren Seifert Auctioneering
Sunday, March 18, 2007, 11:00AM - 2:00PM

The Memorial is to be built near the Swimming Beach on South Lida in Maplewood State Park, eight miles east of Pelican Rapids. It will be a large picnic shelter built of logs; the approximate cost will be $50,000.00.

Josh was killed in action in Iraq while on a combat mission, when his humvee was hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). He was serving with the 1st BDE 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota Army National Guard, ABLE COMPANY 2/136thCAB (The Bearcats) from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Josh grew up at the Maplewood State Park. His mother and father both work at the park, his Dad Bob has been the Park Ranger there for twenty-nine years. The family would be very happy to see this project become a reality in Josh’s memory, so that his legacy can be enjoyed by all park visitors for many years to come.

Individuals or Groups who will not be able to attend this event, but would like to make a contribution, can make their checks payable to Parks and Trails and in the memo write Friends of Maplewood-Hanson Memorial and send them to:

David Knopf
Josh Hanson Memorial
12649 280th Avenue
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

David Knopf is retired National Guard and the father of one of Josh's best buddies Justin Knopf who was with Josh when he was killed.

Fundraiser committee members:
Dave Knopf (W) 218-841-9215 (H) 218-847-7456
Jane Aschnewitz (C) 218-371-1087 (H) 218-758-2158
Becky Thompson (C) 218-849-4632 (H) 218-863-5076

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT