Marine Corps News Room

http://www.nj.com/news/bridgeton/local/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1131360023271020.xml&coll=10

Monday, November 07, 2005
By JAIME MARINE
Staff Writer

MILLVILLE -- Both Tom Walkup Sr. and Harry Swain III know what it is like to lose a child unexpectedly.

In 2003, Walkup's son Tom Walkup Jr., an Air Force staff sergeant, died when his MH-53 PaveLow helicopter crashed in Afghanistan.

Close to two years later, on Jan. 31, 2005, Swain's son Harry Swain IV, a Marine lance corporal, died in Babil Province, Iraq, as the result of hostile action.
Check Mortgage Rates

Walkup was 25 at the time of his death. Swain was 21.

"Harry and I have a bond," Walkup said. "It is an unfortunate situation that it had to be formed from tragedy."

Walkup said both he and Swain have received tremendous support since the loss of their sons, and he said as a way to give something back to the community, they decided to form a fundraising group to help secure money for Patriot Park.

"I had kicked around doing something over the winter time," he said. "Then I got (in touch) with Harry and we started talking. It just evolved from that."

What evolved from the conversation was the formation of a group called Fathers for Patriot Park.

The purpose is to explore funding options for the park such as grants, corporate donations and individual contributions.

The park, which will honor all local service men and women, is expected to cost $150,000.

In addition to exploring funding sources, the group will also host its first fundraising event on Feb. 25, 2006.

The event will be a Beef and Beer at the Elks Lodge from 8 p.m. to midnight. A sponsor book will also be handed out, and Walkup encourages anyone interested to contribute to the book.

"You can be a part of this for as little as $10," he said of the sponsorships.

Walkup said he would like to raise enough money to at least get the statue for the park moving forward.

"We want to do what we can to get the park off the ground," he said, adding that they need $50,000 for the statue.

The fund for Patriot Park already has about $20,000, thanks to annual poker runs sponsored by Walkup's daughter and family.

"We will do what we can," he said. "We have gotten nothing but support and help. I believe the community wants to see a full-blown tribute to service men and women."

Patriot Park (which will be located near Riverside Drive) will feature a passive recreation area with benches, brick walkways, flowering trees and a statue of three children placing an American Flag on a soldier's grave -- which is being designed by Debra Waddington Smith.

It will also include the renovation of the Vietnam Memorial and Springsteadah Plaza.

Liz Nicke, recreation supervisor, said the city is excited about the possibilities this type of group brings.

"This park is a major effort," she said. "It is being built with private funding, which makes it all together different from other city parks which are funded by municipal money.

"It may take a while, but, when it is done, there will be no other park like it in town."

Anyone with questions about becoming a sponsor, making a donation or becoming a part of this effort should contact Walkup at (856) 825-7000 ext. 389 or Nicke at (856) 825-7000 ext. 392.