Senior Project Manager, Jim Martin, PE, combines 35 years of engineering and design expertise with his passion for the U.S. Military, offering pro-bono engineering services for Veteran Memorials. Jim believes each memorial honors the service and sacrifice of our U.S. Military, their family, and their friends. He says, “veteran-related [memorials] need to be done.”
Jim’s favorite project, Anthem Veterans Memorial (AVM), is known as the “modern-day Stonehenge”. Located in Anthem, Arizona, the design features five symbolic pillars that each signify a branch of the United States Military (see photos on left). Each Veterans Day (November 11th) at 11:11 am, the sun’s rays pass through the ellipses of the five pillars to form a solar spotlight on the glass mosaic of “The Great Seal of the United States.” The AVM has won several awards from the Arizona Historical Society, American Public Works Association (APWA), American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), and the American Vietnam War Commemoration Partner. Watch a time-lapse video below!
Currently, Jim is designing Arizona’s Gold Star Families Memorial Monument (GSFMM). He is working with Debbie Lee on the project. Debbie was featured in the movie “American Sniper” reading a letter from her son, Marc, who was the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq.
The GSFMM is funded by the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation. The GSFMM’s sole purpose is “to honor Gold Star Families, preserve the memory of the fallen, and stand as a stark reminder that freedom is not free.” Hershel Woody Williams, the founder, is currently 95 years old. His life goal is to have a Gold Star Families Monument in each of the 50 states. Currently, there are 42 represented!