The Morgan County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund has asked the Morgan County Commission to contribute additional funds to the effort to erect a monument in downtown Berkeley Springs.
The Morgan County Commission donated $5,000 to the effort last fiscal year. Representatives from the nonprofit asked the county earlier this month to make good on their promise to donate another $5,000 in this fiscal year. Bill Clark told county officials that the Fund is seeking grants to help cover the cost of the memorial, and a bigger donation from the county could increase those grants as well.
The four-sided memorial, set to be built on the Fairfax Green near other war memorials, is expected to cost at least $225,000. Fund founder Chuck Hampe said the group, through constant fundraising and generous donations, has raised $130,000 on their own since 2016.
Linda Hampe said there are 385 names of service members confirmed to be put on the memorial. That includes soldiers who served in Vietnam and those who served stateside during the war. Chuck Hampe said the group still has 100 to 150 service members to find or confirm as having served during the war.
County officials said they would consider the donation request during their budget preparation meetings in March.
Contributions to the Morgan County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund can be made through American Legion Post 60, P.O. Box 1211, Berkeley Springs, W.Va. 25411. Information is available through the group’s website, social media pages and by emailing alpost60mcvvmf@gmail.com or calling Chuck Hampe at 304-258-1722.