Thanks go to the following who contributed to Currahee KIA Memorial Monument

Fort Campbell, KY, August 6, 2010 - A large anonymous contribution will enable the famous 506th Infantry Regiment to complete its new memorial to the soldiers of the regiment killed in action. The memorial is the first to honor the nearly 1,500 soldiers of the regiment who died in combat from World War II to present day Afghanistan. The $40,000 donation was part of a $100,000 gift made to the 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association (Airmobile-Air Assault) in recognition of the service and sacrifices of the Currahees. The generous gift was announced by Association leaders at a reunion of regimental veterans held last week by the Association in Harrisburg, PA. The regiment, which includes the famed “Band of Brothers” unit, is part of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

Located in the 4th Brigade Combat Team area at Fort Campbell, the dramatic granite monument was conceived and created by the active-duty leaders of the regiment. This project was an all-volunteer effort funded entirely by private contributions. It was substantially completed and dedicated in 2009, with the names of Currahees killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan engraved on the monument. The regiment needed additional funding to add the names of the honored dead from earlier conflicts. The 506th Association has been fundraising for the memorial, acting on behalf of the regiment. This donation will allow the monument to be completed, and any additional contributions will be applied to maintaining the site.

“This is a very generous contribution for our soldiers,” said CSM Timothy D. Coop, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “Not only will this benefit soldiers of the past and future, this contribution also expands the program to help the wounded soldiers and their families.”

The balance of the charitable contribution went to the Association to expand programs for the families of soldiers killed or wounded in action. It will be administered as part of the Widows, Orphans and Wounded Veterans (WO&WS) aid program serving wounded soldiers and their families. The Currahees are currently being redeployed to Afghanistan for another tour of duty.

In addition to the WO&WS fund, the all-volunteer Association sponsors scholarships for active-duty and veteran Currahees and families, supports morale-building projects for overseas soldiers, and veteran-recognition events. It must also seek contributions to provide funding for general operating expenses. Through these activities, it brings veterans and active duty troops together, and hosts a large website dedicated to the history and people of the regiment.