NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On January 8, 2024, House Bill 2481 was introduced that would designate K-96 at Haven the PFC Henry Lee Fisher Memorial Highway after a local soldier who was KIA in Vietnam.
The bill quickly passed both the Kansas House and Senate with unanimous support and on April 18, 2024 was signed into law by Governor Laura Kelly.
The family is now responsible for the over $12,000 cost of the two memorial signs.
A fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, May 9 at Baker Ballroom at 17 East 2nd in Hutchinson from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 100% of the proceeds go to pay for these memorial highway signs.
Jake Feil told Hutch Post the story of his uncle.
"My Uncle Henry grew up in Haven," Feil said. He was the third oldest of four. My mom's the youngest. They lived their entire lives in Haven. My grandparents lived their entire lives in Haven. My grandpa was a World War II vet, so it was only fitting that his two oldest boys kind of followed in his footsteps.
"They grew up in Haven. My uncle graduated Haven High School in 1965. Shortly after high school, he joined the Army, or attempted to. He was actually denied his first attempt at joining the Army because during his routine physical, they found a hernia. At that point, he could have probably walked away, avoided Vietnam altogether, but he had a strong desire to serve his country. So he came home, he had the surgery to repair the hernia, and he went right back.
"He did his boot camp in Missouri. He was assigned to the 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, and he was sent to the front lines of Vietnam. He was killed in action in 1967."
The family has already raised about $7900, so hopefully this event can get them the rest of the way.
The event will feature live music from local singer/songwriter Morgan Wilk, a catered taco bar, a cash bar, and a huge silent auction. 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, several Mother’s Day gift baskets, a Midway Motors gift basket that includes an oil change and full car detail, Abilene Smoky Valley Train Ride for four, a three piece outdoor patio furniture set from Bold Corporate, a weekend golf outing at Firekeeper Course in Topeka, plus a lot more.
Tickets are just $35 and can be purchased online at vieyrahonorsfoundation.org/events or by calling Marla at: 620-960-8215.
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