Monroe County War Memorial…

Monroe County Madisonville (WATE 6 News – On Your Side) Excerpts – You likely remember the story of Trooper Lowell Russell. He nearly lost his life in a fiery crash on I-40, but Friday he is spending his time helping to get a war memorial in Monroe County.

“Frankie was a very close friend and almost part of the family,” said Lowell Russell…21-year-old Lance Corporal Franklin Watson…Watson died in Afghanistan in September of 2011.

To remember him and others from the Monroe County community that gave their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq, Russell started a campaign to raise money for a marble memorial. County commissioners gave Russell the green light last September to build a memorial…

“…families have suffered all across the nation, including with our county, a lot of good men and women have gave their all for our country,” said Tim Yates, Monroe County Mayor.

So far Russell and others raised nearly $4,000… “It’s a tribute to him and all the other men and women that served in these two wars,” said Russell.

They are hoping to raise the remaining $5,000 by Veterans Day. If you would like to help out the cause, you can log onto their gofundme page or call Russell at 423-519-1162.

(Online; Cameron Taylor; www.wate.com; – Posted: June 13, 2014 11:13 PM EST) www.wate.com/story/25775602/monroe-county-war-memorial-nearly-halfway-to-fundraising-goal