The Pointe du Hoc Foundation, which was founded in 2011, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the families of the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, as well as to recognizing and commemorating Rangers and their families, from WII to the present.
As part of that, the foundation's board has been focused on building a memorial adjacent to the 2/75 Ranger Headquarters on JBLM. In November 2012, they dedicated the first phase of the memorial after successfully raising close to $400,000. Fundraising for phase two had a $250,000 goal and included a gala event held in Tacoma last September, during which generous donors helped the PDHF raise an additional $100,000 in one night.
"We are in continual design with the two wings of the memorial," said PDHF chairman retired Col. Mike Okita. "And at certain times there might be additions, but the second phase of the current construction is funded and underway."
That second phase of construction includes stone-engraved recognition of Rangers by era, raised granite pillars inscribed with the Ranger Creed, as well as the installation of some landscaping and lighting. Next, according to PDHF secretary Lorri Wright, whose husband serves on active duty with the Rangers, the committee will develop plans for the entrance to the memorial from the parking lot.
Given all of this progress, Wright was happy to report that the memorial project should be completed this summer.
However, there are still a number of stones that can be purchased, engraved and be inlaid as part of the memorial's scroll. Current or former Rangers, or their families, can buy a stone that is in the scroll and the wings of the memorial design and corporate sponsors, businesses and interested supporters can purchase stones that will be part of the walkways leading into the memorial. For more information on purchasing dedication stones, email info@pointeduhocfoundation.com.
"The memorial will be completed, but the foundation is not gong away," said Wright.
Indeed, the foundation will remain responsible for upkeep and maintenance on the memorial long after it is completed, which will require funding. PDHF is also intent on continuing its ongoing charitable support of the 2nd Ranger Battalion in other ways.
"This is an enduring foundation. Our initial mission was to construct the memorial and the benevolent, long-range effort is to help the soldiers and families," agreed Okita.
"We are incredibly thankful to those that were so generous to the foundation in 2012 and 2013," Okita said. "Now that basic construction costs have been covered, funds raised will be put towards providing assistance to Rangers and their families where there are gaps. When an issue surfaces and they cannot get help, unit leadership can turn to the board and ask for help."
To learn more about the PDHF, to donate and to watch the memorial's progress, visit Pointe du Hoc Foundation's website. Donations can also be mailed to The PDHF, PO Box 562, DuPont, WA 98327.
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