Local scout's ambitious project honors POW/MIA veterans

Thanks to the efforts of a local Boy Scout, the Jasper Courthouse will soon feature a monument honoring service members who are Missing in Action (MIA) or have been Prisoners of War (POW).

Samuel Osterman, a member of Boy Scout Troop 185, is fundraising, planning and coordinating efforts to install a black granite obelisk monument on the northwest lawn of the courthouse near the Veterans Memorial Fountain as his Eagle Scout project. The monument will serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by these veterans and their families.

In August, he presented detailed plans to the county commissioners, including excavation work for a concrete foundation that would support the structure, which is nearly seven feet in total height.

*Samuel presented commissioners with this rendering of what the obelisk could look like once installed.*

“I intend to provide an enduring memorial to celebrate the lives of local and national war heroes who were prisoners of war or who are still considered missing in action,” Samuel stated, explaining the purpose of his project.

There are over 81,000 military personnel considered Missing In Action, including over 1,700 POW/MIAs from the State of Indiana, according to the Department of Defense.

The 17-year-old said he had been considering this project for several years. His grandfather, Joe Osterman, served as a US Marine in Lebanon during the 1950s, while his great-uncle flew 25 bombing missions in an Air Force B-17 during World War II. Osterman’s siblings have also served in the Marines and Navy. Their service inspired him to take on the project to honor POWs and those servicemembers who are still missing in action.

“I’ve always had this idea of a POW/MIA monument in Jasper,” Samuel explained. “There’s nothing in Dubois County for POW/MIAs.”

The monument will feature white engravings and rest on a concrete base. Samuel has partnered with the Jasper VFW Post #673 as the project’s beneficiary, ensuring proper oversight and management of funds. He brought the proposal to them earlier this year. “You could really tell that this means a lot to them,” he said, recalling the positive reactions he received when pitching the idea to the VFW.

*Samuel said the project had been a learning process and required him to learn new skills in project management.*

Samuel must complete the project before his 18th birthday on December 13th as part of his Eagle Scout requirements. He hopes to have the monument installed around November, possibly in time for a Veterans Day unveiling ceremony, but is unsure if they will be able to do so.

His grandfather is planning to travel from Racine, Wisconsin, to attend the celebration at the project’s completion.

Samuel has already raised about $3,740 through a GoFundMe campaign and direct donations, but he still needs to raise approximately $8,000 to reach his fundraising goal.

Those interested in supporting this project can donate through the GoFundMe campaign or by sending checks directly to the Jasper VFW Post #673, specifying that it’s for the POW/MIA Monument project. You can drop them off at the post or mail them to Jasper VFW Post #673, FBO Eagle Scout POW/MIA Memorial Project, 1607 Gregory Lane, Jasper, IN 47546.

You may also donate online at www.gofundme.com/f/Jasper-VFW-POW-MIA-Memorial

This memorial will benefit our county by raising awareness about our POW/MIA veterans and all those who have served,” Samuel said in a letter describing the project’s importance. “It will also provide a very nice backdrop for veteran-related ceremonies, events, and memorials on Courthouse Square.”

Samuel has been in Scouts since elementary school. He said he truly appreciates the friends he has made in scouting.

He was recently accepted into Ball State University.