The construction of a veterans monument in Mexico has been at the forefront of VFW Post 3772 Commander Russell Davis’ mind since he became commander.

Now, a recent influx of labor and material donations has brought the Central Missouri Veterans Monument Foundation that much closer to seeing the group’s vision become reality.

In early March, the foundation board members invited Operating Engineers Local 513 to take a look at the site to determine what work would be needed and the potential cost.

“Once they saw the rough drawings, they jumped in with both feet and actually came back and said, ‘We want to donate all the site work,’” said board member Jennifer Rice.

The donation of site construction only fast-tracked the foundation's efforts.

“It’s amazing what kind of support and how much of that helps us to reach that goal and make this come to fruition all the sooner,” Rice said.

Securing an architect was their next step so the foundation approached Nick Peckham, principal architect at Peckham and Stockton, who recently presented them with a rendering of the monument.

“It’s the most beautiful architectural rendering of how it's envisioned and they are now going to be working on the actual scale drawing that has measurements and everything that the contractors can use,” said Rice.

Peckham and Stockton donated all of their services to the foundation as well so as it stands, the only costs the foundation will need to cover in that regard is for the engineering and surveying services.

“To see it go from a hand drawing to an architectural rendering was awesome,” Rice said. “It just brought so much to it.”

The Central Missouri Veterans Monument Foundation continued to work closely with the city of Mexico to adhere to all their requests and on April 14, they were granted permission to put up a sign that reads, “Future home of Central Missouri Veterans Monument Foundation.”

“It was so cool to stand there on that hill and look at the sign and think where it’s going to be,” said Rice.

Despite the sign and all of the donations, the foundation still has a long way to go and is turning its attention to fundraising and spreading awareness.

“One of the biggest things that we have to say thank you for of course is the granite,” Rice said. “The granite, which is a huge expense, has also been donated but we still have a ways to go and that’s where we need the fundraising and the public support to do that.”

Their next fundraiser will be the inaugural cornhole tournament Saturday which, in addition to some good-natured competition, promises a pork steak dinner and bake sale as well as an auction featuring a Henry rifle.

“We’re hoping this is one of those things that gives us that kick to the next level of fundraising,” Rice said.

That night, they will also have live music by Kelly Stanford starting at 6 p.m.

With the foundation being a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization, 100 percent of everything that goes on within the Central Missouri Veterans Monument Foundation is all volunteer. With no administrative expenses, all of the money raised will go toward making sure the monument gets built.

Once it is completely funded, the foundation will keep raising money for maintenance and upkeep.

“While it is on city land, we will be required to maintain the monument itself. We will maintain ownership of the monument,” said Rice.

For more information on the foundation and upcoming events, visit the Central Missouri Veterans Monument Foundation Facebook page or email centralmoveteransmonument@gmail.com.