Bronze bust of fallen Marine to be dedicated in the spring

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  • By 121709
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  With more than enough donations, Lance Cpl. Greg Posey's bronze bust is planned for dedication in early spring.

Lance Cpl. Posey is the son of Aerospace Testing Alliance employee Steve Posey.

"We want to say how so very proud and privileged we feel to be part of the AEDC [Arnold Engineering Development Center] family," Steve and Delma Posey said. "It is heartwarming to feel the sincerity that this base has displayed through prayer, thoughts and emotional support to our family.

"We will never be able to express our gratitude to the overwhelming contributions that this organization made to the construction of a memorial bust for our son, Gregory. We are fortunate to be part of such a community."

Employees and internal organizations such as the Air Force Sergeant's Association, Air Engineering Metal Trades Council (AEMTC), personal and an Aerospace Testing Alliance (ATA)-matched donation of $3,400 raised more than $7,000 combined. The bronze busts created by Marble Cast Inc., in Salt Lake City, can take anywhere from 10-15 weeks to construct and cost $6,000. The extra money will go toward another bust in Tennessee.

"On behalf of the ATA workforce, it was an honor to be able to support Greg's family through this memorial," ATA General Manager Dr. David Elrod said. "The statement made by the men and women of AEDC in raising funds for this cause and by ATA in matching those funds with our corporate donation is a clear testament to the respect and appreciation with which we hold Lance Cpl. Posey and all who serve. May we never forget what they have done for us and for our nation."

AEDC Chief of Staff and retired Marine Colonel Ken Jacobsen, is honored to contribute to the effort.

"I have a profound respect for what Marines like Lance Corporal Posey do," Jacobsen said. "They are hard-working, unsung heroes of our nation. I have experienced the loss of people dear to me and empathize with the loss felt by Lance Corporal Posey's family. I heartily endorse the initiative to memorialize Greg through the creation of a bronze bust cast in his image."

According to Dave Uselton, the southeast regional director and charter advisory board member for Operation Never Forget, Marble Cast's sculptor is currently working on the bust and hopes to have a proof for the Posey family to review before Christmas.

"Once the family has had time to look at the bust, the artist and the family will work closely together to ensure the bust is exactly as the family envisions," he said.

A formal unveiling will take place on the square in Winchester sometime in the spring. According to Uselton, Franklin County Mayor Richard Stewart and CEO of Hero Gear Joe Lundberg partnered to raise money for a granite stone to mount the bust on.

"The Posey family and the Clemons family [Pfc. Nathan Clemons, USMC] have agreed to share the stone, which will be large enough to mount two or three busts," Uselton explained. "The memorial will be located on the courthouse grounds at the request of the families."

Master Sgt. Patrick Lazarus, Top III president, said the organization had two reasons for donating the money.

"The first is because we wanted to let Mr. Posey and his family know that their son's sacrifice will not be forgotten and that we, as active duty members, realize the reality of the oath we all took," he explained. "The second is to extend our heartfelt condolences' to the Posey family and let them know how important the AEDC family is to all of us and that we are with them in this difficult time."

Jerry McCullough, chief steward of painters, joined with AEMTC to raise money for the bust.

"The donations were given to help remind people of the sacrifices our Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Sailors and their families suffer to help keep the freedoms and rights we have in this country," McCullough said. "Also, to make people aware that families close by have lost loved ones in this battle to keep us free and to honor those for years to come who have made that ultimate sacrifice."

Although they can't personally thank everyone who donated, the Poseys wanted to thank a few particular organizations.

"We thank 'Operation Never Forget' for the special service they do," the Poseys said. "We personally thank Dr. Elrod for his dedicated support for this memorial. We truly thank everyone at AEDC for the unwavering support that you have made to our family, and to the United States military. Stand tall and be proud because you have earned it."

For more information about ONF, log onto www.operationneverforget.org. Uselton can also be contacted at (931) 455-0516 or (931) 273-7062.