Fueled by an outpouring of community support and generous sponsorships across North Central Kansas, the Christian Patriots Remembrance Team’s Military Wall Tribute is experiencing significant growth. Senior Coordinator Rita Goodwin provided an enthusiastic update on the project’s progress, highlighting the increasing momentum as they prepare to host the American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute to Veterans and 1st Responders in Concordia from June 5th to 9th, 2025.
Goodwin recently attended the Cuba Rock-A-Thon, hosted by the Cuba Booster Club, where she connected with community members and raised funds for the tribute. “It was great seeing old friends, making new friends, and selling tickets of opportunity to our event,” Goodwin stated in an audio release. The Cuba Booster Club has now become a sponsor of the Veterans Tribute.
The outpouring of support has continued throughout the week. “This week alone has already turned out to be a blessing,” Goodwin exclaimed, highlighting the addition of several new sponsors. C&W Farm Supply in Cortland, Bob’s Locker Plant in Washington, Kansas, and Yopo’s Mexican Restaurant in Belleville have all joined the effort, contributing generous donations including meat bundles, a gift certificate, and more. Linn Farm and Ranch Supply donated an eight-burner gas grill.
Goodwin also acknowledged the crucial role of local media in raising awareness. “The newspapers throughout north central Kansas, the articles they have written,” she said, expressing gratitude. Special recognition was given to Tim Unruh, a Vietnam veteran reporter from Salina, and Concordia’s Chief of Police Brent Gearing, who will be coordinating security for the main event in June. The American Legion riders are also providing support.
Upcoming fundraising events include two “Hall Roast” dinners. The first will be held at the Cuba Community Hall on Sunday, April 6th, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with catering by Paradise Eats and live auctions conducted by Novak Bros. and Gieber. Musical entertainment will be provided by Howard Reed and his wife, Tracy. The second Hall Roast will take place at the Scandia American Legion on Saturday, April 19th, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., also catered by Paradise Eats, with musical performances by the Gritton family.
In a specific request, Goodwin is seeking a donation of a small flatbed trailer. “We’re looking for a small flatbed trailer so we can take some of the items that have been donated around so everyone can see what their tickets are buying,” she explained.
The Military Wall Tribute aims to honor fallen heroes and first responders. “We can and we will make a difference,” Goodwin affirmed.
For more information and to contribute, visit freedomtribute.org. “May is going to be phenomenal as well. But folks, the best is yet to come. God bless each and every one of you, and may God bless this great nation,” Goodwin concluded.
