Anadarko becomes first corporate sponsor of the Veterans Memorial Monument project

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The first maquette cast of the sculpture titled “The Way Home,” by artist, Edd Hayes, found its way to a permanent home at the corporate office of Anadarko, the first corporate sponsor of the Veterans’ Memorial Monument project sponsored by the Greater Woodlands Public Art Foundation.

The first of 10 one-fifth bronze maquettes (French for scale model), was presented to Anadarko Tuesday, April 15, in a low-key ceremony commemorating the event. On hand to receive the maquette for Anadarko were Randy Keyes and Jim Raney; both are retired Colonels in the US Army.

“We don’t wear our donations on our sleeve,” said Randy Keyes of Anadarko. “We do worry about how the community perceives us. We felt this was the right thing to do.”

Anadarko is hoping other major corporations in and around The Woodlands will follow suit and become corporate sponsors. The other nine maquettes remaining to be cast will be earmarked for future significant sponsors who likewise, want to see the memorial for veterans of all the military forces, come to fruition. Sponsorships equal to, or greater than, $25,000 will receive one of the bronze maquettes, and special recognition at the site of the Memorial.

Presenting the maquette to Anadarko were representatives of The Greater Woodlands Public Art Foundation and included Everett Ison, President, Tony Motto, Secretary, Bill Wingo, Treasurer, and Directors, Steve Montgomery and Tim Mulvey. Bill Wingo is Chairman, and Everett Ison is Co-Chairman of “The Way Home” Project.

Heartfelt and emotional speeches were given by some individuals who knew the two soldiers depicted in the model, Army PFC Cory C. Kosters and Army Corporal Zachary R. Endsley. The two friends and Woodlands residents were killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan respectively, less than five months apart.

“These men died for our country,” said Bill Wingo, of The Greater Woodlands Public Art Foundation. “They made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The life-size bronze sculpture will be the focal point of the Veterans Memorial Monument, to be installed in Town Green Park approximately five miles north of the ExxonMobil campus. The ground-breaking will take place upon raising the estimated $400,000 needed to cast the sculpture, and its surrounding backdrop.

The aesthetic surroundings will include a black granite wall of tiles honoring veterans who have served regardless of whether they are living, retired, deceased, missing or killed in action. The only stipulation is that they be US Armed Forces veterans. Granite tiles are currently being sold at $200. Family members and friends wishing to purchase a tile for a deserving veteran can contact Bill Wingo at 281-367-9990, or by email. Some have even purchased tiles for veterans they may never have met. Congressman Kevin Brady has purchased twelve tiles for Woodlands veterans. In addition to a cash donation, Anadarko has committed to match the funds of the first 300 tile purchases. As of this writing there are 1,850 tiles available. Sculptor, Edd Hayes, paid significant attention to detail, even enlisting the services of Randy Keyes, acting as a technical advisor to ensure the authenticity of the uniforms and equipment. Albeit, Kosters and Endsley were in the US Army, the memorial monument will honor all veterans of all military branches of service. Also displayed at the site will be the insignias of all military forces,including the Merchant Marines. A video describing the project can be viewed at the link provided.

The maquette of “The Way Home” will probably be installed in the walkway between the two Anadarko towers for the greatest visibility.

“Leadership is one of the core values in our company,” said Keyes. “I can’t think of a better example of leadership than this monument.”

Anadarko hopes to lead by example by encouraging other corporate sponsorships for the Veterans Memorial Monument project. It will take a few more sponsors for “The Way Home” to find a permanent home in Town Green Park.