Wayne Stillman started in June of 1995 to form a committee to build a kiosk or statue to honor the 173d Airborne and to perpetuate its relationship with Rochester. In 1966 Stillman was a member of the Rochester Jaycees when they adopted the 173d Airborne in Vietnam to show our support. It was during the reunion the 173d had in 1995 that the idea for a memorial was born. The idea for a memorial changed to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and dedicated all who served.
Stillman and Arnold formed the original committee, with the assistance of Mayor Chuck Hzama, and met with the City Council and the Park Department for approval to continue with plans for a memorial. Stillman basically asked the Council to step back and let the committee do its work without the use of tax dollars. The Council and Park Department agreed and set aside 2.5 acres at Soldiers memorial Field.
Stillman had chemotherapy treatments followed by two major surgeries in 1999 for cancer, and with the help of his wife, Carol, continued work on the memorial and is the only member to attend every meeting. Without the efforts and support of God, the Mayo Clinic, and his wife, Carol his involvement would not have been possible.
Wayne has been involved in every decision and every aspect of the memorial since it started and has worked with all committee members to see the memorial completed.
People say that without Stillman there would not be a memorial but he says, “How far do you go back? If it wasn’t for the Jaycees adopting the 173d… If it wasn’t for all the heroes that served…If it wasn’t for the support of SE Minnesota…The list could go on and on. The memorial is a result of many things and is a reality because of the support given by the countless donations of time, talent, and material.”
UPDATE: On March 22, 2018 Wayne Stillman decided to step down as President of Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial. Wayne has served in that position since its formation in 1995. He will remain on the board as President Emeritus.
Lonnie Hebl was unanimously elected to serve as President.
