Raising Funds To Place Aircraft At Entrance To Tonawanda, NY Veterans Park

A Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter may one day grace the entrance of the Veteran's park in Tonawanda, NY thanks to the efforts of Chapter 77 of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Radio station WBFO reports that the chapter has mounted a fundraising effort to acquire the helo and place it at the park's entrance.

But the bar is high. Chapter treasurer Paul Pietrowski says he thinks the goal is attainable, but they need tens of thousands of dollars to make the plan a reality. He said that the group will raise as much money as they can, and seek donation of services for the installation. Much of the money raised will go towards maintenance of the helicopter for five years, at which time the city would take over its care, he said.

Pietrowski the group is selling engraved bricks that will make up a walkway leading to the monument, and blank bricks will be included so that others may donate at a later time. He said that the community and Mayor Rick Davis have been very supportive of the effort.

The chapter has raised nearly $20,000 to date, with a goal of $50,000 by August, according to the report. They have also established a GoFundMe page to support the effort.

(Image: Artists rendering of the monument from GoFundMe page)

FMI: https://www.gofundme.com/2va2t4hg