Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Small-Town Pride
If you’ve ever passed through Friendsville, you might have noticed a monument standing quietly near the edge of town. That monument is the Friendsville Veterans Memorial, and behind its creation stands a small group of dedicated locals, notably, this month’s Unsung Hero: The Friendsville Veterans Memorial Committee.
President of the Committee, Ken Hinebaugh’s, service story began early. He joined the National Guard as a junior in High School 1982 and went to active duty in 1985, working with CH-47 helicopters. He wore the Army uniform proudly for 33 years, embodying a lifelong commitment to his country and his community.
When he was later asked to help with VFW’s rifle squad for memorial services, Ken humbly honors both the living and the fallen service members.
The Friendsville Veterans Memorial Committee first took shape under the leadership of Jimmy Ross, who even had a motorcycle painted in honor of the project. Ken joined in 2015, helping the group continue its mission as new families and generations stepped forward to contribute.
At the memorial’s centerpiece, six local men are honored. These men lost their lives during the Vietnam War: Thomas Eugene Fike, Norman Eugene Thomas, Rodger Lynn Garlick, Charles Wayne Hook, Ross Francis Fike, and Danny Eugene Nicklow.
When these six young men from one small map dot were killed in action, Friendsville suffered the highest number of Vietnam War deaths per capita of any other municipality in the United States; a devastating loss that left a lasting mark on the community.
“What began as a way to pay tribute to these six heroes has grown into something even greater; it is a lasting symbol of gratitude for all service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” said Hinebaugh.
“The center monument is for the six Friendsville servicemen who lost their lives during the Vietnam War,” explained Hinebaugh. “While the surrounding walls are for any military member or veteran that served, no matter when they were in or where they are from.”
The project — supported by VFW Post 10077 and fueled by small-town pride — has taken years of hard work, fundraising, and persistence. From community dinners and grassroots fundraising efforts such as chili feeds to raffles to engraved brick sales, every event has helped move the memorial closer to completion.
Today, the memorial stands 90% complete, a testament to persistence and community love. Each engraved brick represents a life remembered and service honored. The committee continues to fundraise to complete the final touches and finish the site. The granite center monument is expected to be delivered later this fall.
Though the committee began with 15 members, today only four remain actively involved: James Rose, Elmer Rounds, Norman Livingood, and Derek Gallagher. Other community members continue the support: Margaret Collins, Frank Vitez, and Jay Ross. “You need time, and you need money,” Ken said. “Small-town pride drives this, but we want to get it finished.”
For those who wish to contribute, engraved bricks can be ordered online at thatsmybrick.com/friendsville, and updates are shared through the Friendsville Veteran Memorial Project Facebook group.
When the final monument is placed and the last brick set, the Friendsville Veterans Memorial will stand as a lasting reflection of the town’s heart. Thanks to people like Ken Hinebaugh and the dedicated members of the committee, the legacy of Friendsville’s heroes will live on for generations to come.