Summer 2015 I spent the 4th of July like many other American families, with food cooked on the grill, homemade desserts and fireworks! We had a lot of family join us, and the kids especially couldn’t wait to see the fireworks. We had all types, from sparklers to Roman Candles, (all legal of course). One of the younger kids asked why we have fireworks on the 4th of July. All sorts of answers were given and in this age of instant technology and answers, Google was also consulted. Basically, the overall consensus was reached that the fireworks represent “the bombs bursting in air” as described by Francis Scott Key in the Star Spangled Banner, our National Anthem. As I sat there and reflected on this thought, I realized that those fireworks were a visual memorial to the events that helped shape our nation. Year after year, every 4th of July, we watch these visual memorials light up the sky and they remind us of struggles our forefathers faced in their quest for freedom. After watching the fireworks show and thinking about them as a memorial, I also realized that they were over and gone for that year, and I had them only left in my memory. It was sad to think that I only really paid attention to their meaning every 4th of July. The great thing about what we do here in Elberton is we make memorials that last for generations and we do it by making them from the highest quality granite available anywhere in the world. Unlike the fireworks show which is quick to fade from our memory, Elberton granite memorials stand as a constant reminder of history. Whether it is history of the sacrifices made in defense of our country represented by a large memorial or the history and sacrifices of people written on a family marker, history needs to be remembered not just for one day but every day. The Arapaho, a Native American Indian tribe, had a saying, “only the rocks live forever”. This was used to say that history was written in the rocks; long after the tribe was gone, the rocks would still be there, telling their story. So it is with an Elberton granite memorial; they will live forever and long after we are gone, they will still be here telling their story. They will be the rocks that live forever. The Betty B. Williford Center, located on the Elberton campus of Athens Technical College, was once home to a day care and education center. But when demand for those classes evaporated, the facility sat unused. Then along came Chris Kubas, Executive Vice President of the EGA, who with the Development Authority of Elberton, had an idea to transform the space into a promising new economic development building. At a ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Williford Center in March, Kubas told the crowd of local officials, educators and others in attendance that his vision for the building will be to hold classes for those who are looking for work but who possibly lack the soft skills necessary to hold down a job. With an aging population and a lack of qualified workers in Elberton’s prosperous granite industry, having this facility in the area along with specific training classes could provide the people necessary to fill some of the jobs. The fully accredited training program itself is modeled on the Pathways Program and is one of only three such programs in the country. A huge plus for EGA’s Williford Center program is that it will not require any local funding. According to Kubas, the money is already available at the State level. Kubas is also working with Dr. Chuck Bell, Superintendent of the Elbert County School District, to allow the people who need training in the granite industry to use the granite labs at the high school during evening hours. Doing so will allow the students to gain some practical skills in addition to the learning environment provided for them at the Williford Education Center. Innovative ideas like these bring hope to people who once may have thought a career in Elberton’s biggest industry was out of reach, and gives the industry itself a brighter future. Kudos to Chris and all the other out-of-the-box thinkers who turned this idea into a reality. EGA’s Chris Kubas addresses the audience at Athens Technical College’s Williford Center. (L-R): Horace Harper, Beth Eavenson, Tom Denney, Athens Tech Foundation Chair Ed Graham, Nancy Stangle, Rusty Adams, Dr. Flora Tydings, Freddie Jones, Dr. Mixon Robinson, Dr. Larry Siefferman, Chris Kubas, Dr. Andrea Daniel, Kenneth Ashworth, Larry Guest, Tom Robinson and Chuck Bell. 2015 ECCHS Scholarship Recipient Corey Dunn Athens Technical College Major: Physical Therapy As a way of giving back to the citizens of the Elberton Granite District, the EGA, through its members, provides three scholarshps to students who wish to further their educations beyond high school. This year an essay entitled, “Set in Stone: How the granite industry has influenced Elbert/Oglethorpe County” was added to enhance the selection process. Many fine essays were received and many candidates participated. It was interesting to learn how each of the candidates viewed the granite industry, its influence, and how it continues to impact Elbert and Oglethorpe Counties. Ultimately, three essays from candidates with families working in the industry stood out. These candidates clearly possess excellent academic achievements and leadership qualities, and their essays provided a great perspective of the granite industry and their family’s contributions to it. Congratulations to all three of our winners, and best of luck in your future endeavors! 2015 ECCHS Scholarship Recipient McKenzi Harper Mercer University Major: Psychology 2015 OCHS Scholarship Recipient Codi-Belle Smith University of North Georgia - Oconee Major: Sociology The Community Pride Committee of the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce selected Flatwoods Granite, LLC as Industry of the Month for June. Pictured at the recognition were: (l-r:) Bill Brown, Pam Brown, Matt Henderson (Owner), Jason Smith, Val Evans and Lydia Lamar. Congratulations to Flatwoods Granite! Creative-Premier Designs has added a new package called Boats and Ships Collection to their Clip Art. The new package contains 46 images of various ships such as destroyers, aircraft carriers and sailing ships. In addition there are speed boats, house boats and shrimp boats among others. All designs in any of their collections are available in digital files, either as a package or as individual files, or the designs can be produced on stencil, ready for application to your stone. All of these designs can be viewed under Clip Art on their website: www.creative-premier.com, or more informaton or to receive a free catalog, call 800-542-4295 or email designs@creative-premier.com. Until now online monument designers could only create color pictures, which must be redrawn by the manufacturer. Design Mart has removed the unnecessary wait for approval drawings to be returned to the retailer by allowing them to create a color image, which can actually be a production-ready CAD file for cutting sandblast stencil. Another unique feature is the ability to change and display the side and top of the monument rather than only displaying the front. These photo-realistic renderings may be changed to display polished, steeled or rock pitch tops and sides on monuments as well as bases. Polished margins may also be added to bases as seen in the images below. Users may easily use hundreds of preformatted designs from popular Design Mart series including Precious Memories, A Closer Walk, Ties That Bind, and more. There are also hundreds of blank monument shapes and more than 3,500 components for users to create their own designs or edit popular preformatted designs. Monument projects may be saved and opened later if changes are required. It is easy to change granite colors, background images and export a color picture which may be viewed in any web browser or photo viewer. While monuments are viewed in color and color images may be viewed and saved, Design Mart’s newest release distinguishes itself from all other online monument designers by utilizing scalable vector graphics. While users are viewing color images they are actually working with CAD drawings that may be ready for production and save inconvenient turnaround times while waiting for drawings to be created to match color pictures and be returned for approval. There is no more guesswork or time spent searching for artwork resembling the files in a color image. DXF, PS, PDF, and SVG options are available, which are compatible with all CAD or illustration programs such as Gerber, MonuCad, Flexi, Corel, Illustrator, and more. Design Mart offers a free 30-day trial, which is longer than any other trial in the industry. An introductory 3-minute video and a helpful 13-minute tutorial video are available at http://designmart.com/monument-designer-and-digital-catalog/about-general-information/. Design Mart is available to answer questions, help navigate to videos, and answer questions during free trials at 800-736-7455 or d-mart@designmart.com. OK, so it’s not a keg of beer, but Bicknell Supply Company wants you to know they carry a larger size of the ever-popular TENAX “Transparent Flowing” polyester mastic. This 60 liter keg-sized container of glue is available now (along with other sizes), as well as a variety of other TENAX products that are always in stock. If it’s TENAX you’re looking for, stick with Bicknell! Did you know that you can get your granite finishing supplies delivered to you? What if you have questions about supplies but can’t get out of the office to compare products? What happens when you need a delivery to a job site out of town? Who do you call if you need equipment serviced? The answer to all these questions: Bicknell Supply Company. Over six years ago, Bicknell expanded their service to include personalized deliveries to customers both in Elberton and elsewhere. It’s just one of the many customer-focused services you can count on when you do business with Bicknell. Give them a call when you need a quick solution! On a recent sunny afternoon, John Hamilton, a Service Sales Representative with Palfleet Truck Equipment, stopped by the EGA office to show us the Palfinger PK6501A knuckle crane. This is a super-efficient, multi-function crane that can be used in a multitude of applications and is ideal for mounting on a lightweight truck chassis. Its functional design makes it simple to operate, and the maintenance-free extension system makes servicing it quick and easy and saves time and expense. Outrigger System The outrigger system is fully hydraulic with a 16’2” maximum spread for full 360o stability at full reach and capacity. The outrigger legs also feature LED lighting for high visibility in low light conditions. Due to its compact size and light weight it is designed to fit on lightweight trucks. Operator Control The main operator’s control station features an E-stop button, hour meter, Paltronic overload % display, and is backlit over the control handles for working in low light conditions. The PK6501A can also be equipped as shown with a Scanreco fully proportional radio remote control which allows the operator to move freely around the vehicle during loading and unloading of materials while still being able to monitor the Paltronic overload system via the display on the remote handset. Capacity While the standard PK6501A has a maximum capacity of 7,280 lbs in close and will handle 1,700 lbs at 24’3”, there are also extra hydraulic and manual pull out extensions available which can total up to 42’4”. This high-performance crane is distinguished by its exceptionally high level of working efficiency. If you’re looking for a compact solution to your material handling needs no matter how big or small, look no further than Palfleet and Palfinger! Contact Palfleet’s Southeast Regional Sales Manager, Jason Jankowski, for more information or to schedule a demonstration. Let Jason, John, and the team at Palfleet help you make the right decision for you and your business. Rich with stately elegance, these impressive constructions are built to reflect the personality and faith preferences of an individual or family for eternity. In ancient history mausoleums were built for royalty or persons of importance. Mausoleum architecture will vary from the very ornate to a simple structure. Whether a classic or modern style these impressive structures radiate a combination of graceful stylishness and distinction. And although the styles may be different from those built in the past, a mausoleum is still constructed for persons of importance: family. Star Granite & Bronze has been in the business of helping families design and build their meaningful memorial tributes since 1951. They have the experience to design and deliver what their customers expect. A family owned and managed enterprise, Star takes great pride in its personalized customer service and expert workmanship. Star is quality-focused and values integrity and ethics above all. Full Design Services Star is pleased to offer full design services to their customer. The members of their design team are all highly qualified and skilled professionals holding certifications and accreditations in their respective landscape, architectural, and design fields. Star is extremely proud of their ability to produce a rendering so life-like in detail that it is difficult to tell the difference between the rendering and the actual picture of the building. The design staff provides expert assistance to their customers from the initial contact throughout all stages in the development of the design. Manufacturing Capabilities Using the highest-quality granite available, Star Granite & Bronze has the ability to manufacture mausoleums that range from the single crypt unit to large private mausoleums up to eight (8) crypts in a single pre-assembled unit. Star can also build larger units that can be built on site. With their state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment utilizing their fully automated 5-Axis CNC Machine, the design capabilities are numerous. Mausoleums with precisely turned columns, adorned with detailed crown moldings, accent roofs and intricate flooring, most are built to offer many amenities such as privacy seating, glass front cremation niches, vase planters for floral tributes, statuary and elaborate carvings. With an abundance of customization options such as patio packages, stain glass windows, and ornate bronze entrance doors, these majestic memorials are available in a good variety of granite colors. Star can fabricate mausoleums by adding architectural and artistic design elements to enhance and personalize the sophisticated style of the customer. With many years of experience in the granite industry and their combination of technology and skilled labor, Star always guarantees the highest caliber of workmanship as well as attractive manufacturing and delivery times. Whether for a single family member or generations of families, Star can design and build a mausoleum which is a masterpiece of art that not only stands the test of time, but also creates an enduring family legacy for the ages. EGA’s Downtown Display got a facelift this spring! Pressure-washing, Landscaping and a coat of paint make the display look shiny and new. Combined with seven new monuments, it looks spectacular! What a great way to greet visitors to Elberton! Brownstone Central Apex Keystone L&M King’s Old South "Nothing finer than an ole pipeliner” was a favorite saying of Ronald Carr, owner of C&A Development Corporation located in Columbia, Louisiana. Folks who knew him say he never started anything he didn’t finish. Indeed, from a modest beginning and with a strong work ethic, he created a family-owned pipeline company and grew it into the successful business it is today. An avid car enthusiast, Mr. Carr owned and collected several vintage automobiles, including a 1957 Chevy convertible. He was also a country music afficianado who frequently organized parties and concerts for the company and community. These events often included famous country singers and musicians and drew crowds from all around town. Mr. Carr also enjoyed performing, and was recalled as being a “back porch singer”, although he could be found onstage on any given night, enthusiastically belting out a song. Most of all, he cherished his family and the time he spent with them. Upon his death, it was his family’s wish that his larger than life personality and the multitude of people and things that he loved be reflected on his monument. His life story can be seen in the many etchings found on the die, tablet, and benches. The Carr family initially met with Dody Campbell of Campbell Monuments in Provencal, Louisiana, to develop a set of plans for Mr. Carr’s memorial. After several discussions with the family, a basic design for the monument was agreed upon. Campbell drew a general outline of a side loader, and then contacted Keystone Memorials. “I gave the drawing to Tom, and he got it sandblasted onto the rock”, said Campbell. “After that, we spent a lot of time working together to get the rest of it right.” The Carr family provided several photos depicting various events and people in Mr. Carr’s life. After the drawings were approved and a design was finalized, Anne Jenson of Jenson Etching devoted an incredible amount of attention to hand etching the images onto the memorial. These etchings represent many areas of Mr. Carr’s life history, and include his family, his car, and his performances at the country bar. Dody Campbell of Campbell Monuments said that the family was very pleased with the final product. Campbell stated, “With it being so big I was kind of worried about how it would turn out and how it would look after we set it. But of course with Keystone working on it, it looked great and it fit together like a glove when we got it out to the cemetery.” This magnificent memorial is located in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Columbia, Louisiana. At more than nine feet tall, it is a fitting tribute to an ‘ole pipeliner’ who started out small but left a big impression. Mr. Henry Clyde "Chip" Rousey, Jr., 55, of Tate Street, Elberton, left this life on Friday, May 15, 2015. Although sudden and unexpected, Chip's passing was in the manner in which he would have wanted: peacefully and pain free with his best friend and the love of his life, Tracey, by his side. Born in California on March 8, 1960, he was the son of Henry C. "Sonny" Rousey, Sr. and the late Adetha Mae Thomason Rousey, and was a proud Scotsman. He was a 1978 graduate of Elbert County High School where he played both football and baseball. Chip earned an Associates Degree from the Atlanta Art Institution in 1981. A man of great artistic ability, Chip spent the last several years of his life working to better the granite industry's drafting programs, and was employed by Star Granite & Bronze for 17 years. He was a superb etcher, sculptor, and draftsman, and was the first CAD system operator for the granite industry. Chip's love for his community found him serving on various boards, including the Elbert County Recreation Department Board and Elbert County Democratic Committee where he served as chairman. He was elected by his community to serve on the Elbert County School Board, and did faithfully for four years. His vibrant personality showed in everything he did, and he was well-known and respected for passionately fighting for what he believed in. Mr. Rousey was a member and former Sunday School teacher of First Baptist Church in Elberton and attended Antioch Baptist Church. He was also a member of Philomathea Masonic Lodge #25. Left to cherish his memories are his devoted wife of 33 years, Tracey Colquitt Rousey of the home; children and their spouses: Ashley and Daniel Thompson of Elberton, Cara and Brandon Bowen of Elberton, and Wesley and Allison Rousey of Milledgeville; grandchildren: Cameron McKay, Vivi Mae, and Lila Estelle; father and step-mother, Henry C., Sr. "Sonny" and Barbara Rousey of Elberton; sister and brother-in-law, Sharron and Gregg Walker and their daughters Tara and Jessi of Monroe; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Troy and Estelle Harris Colquitt of Elberton; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chuck and Marlee Colquitt and their son, Campbell of Elberton; aunt and uncles: Susan R. and John Sexton, J.M. Thomason, and Harley Thomason, all of Elberton; and a host of other relatives and friends. Contributions may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 1684 Barnett Shoals Road, Athens, GA 30605. Situated in Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas, this eye-catching and regal family estate memorial was produced by Eagle Granite Company for Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas. At nearly 7’ tall, this classic design created in distinctive American Black granite features a top cap with band carving around all sides, resting atop a large die and two polished bases. An elegant pair of matching ledgers completes this memorial. This memorial, located in St. Hyacinth Cemetery in Westbrook Maine, is a simple yet elegant two-person crypt that was fabricated by Southern Mausoleums for Maine Memorial Company in South Portland, Maine. Paul DiMatteo of Maine Memorial said that this customer had been shopping for a pre-need family tomb for several years, and after looking at several types and colors, decided upon American Black granite. With its beautiful striations and the quality workmanship of the design, the result is a dignified and elegant memorial; in recent weeks, Mr. Baker was laid to rest in his final home. This elegant family monument was created by Majestic Granite Company, LLC for Tommy & Joyce Wilson of Southern Memorial Monument Company in Bessemer, Alabama. According to Joyce, the Wilson family has relied on Majestic to produce more than one Wilson memorial. In fact, several members of the Wilson famiy are located in adjoining plots at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Bessemer, Alabama, and Majestic manufactured almost all of them. The Wilson family began working in the monument industry in 1939 when Joyce’s father bought the business from a family member. In 1976, Joyce and Tommy became the owners. Though they are now retired after 36 years, they remember always counting on Majestic to come though with reliable service and quality products throughout the years. Joyce recalls, “We were extremely pleased with this monument, as we were with all the work Majestic did. We spent six months deciding on a design and we were anxious to see it when it was done. It turned out great, and we are really proud of it. We have always had great confidence in Bobby and Barbara, and with everyone at Majestic Granite.” Eagle Granite Company produced this intricate Celtic cross for North Carolina Marble & Granite in Clinton, NC. Located in Clinton’s local Municipal Cemetery, this magnificent memorial stands nearly 9’ tall and features a large Celtic cross with roof top. After fabricating and sandblasting the monument, Eagle’s talented craftsmen skillfully completed the memorial’s large cross with a beautifully detailed Celtic Knot design that includes four holes through the cross members and a recessed bar on the front and back. Located in Rest Hills Memorial Park in North Little Rock, Arkansas, this beautiful 4-crypt family mausoleum was produced by Eagle Granite Company for Camden Memorials in Camden, Arkansas. It was created for the Holmes family, a devout Penecostal family whose traveling ministry influenced many people in rural areas of the South. Bishop and Sister A.O. Holmes evangelized throughout many Southern states, holding brush arbor meetings, tent revivals, and preaching in small rural churches. Together they founded several churches across southern Mississippi and Louisiana, many of which are still in existence today. This magnificent tomb in popular Cheramie Cemetery in Galliano, Louisiana commemorates a lifelong shrimp boater who spent most of his days on the water. southern mausoleums worked with Hope Haven Marble & Granite in Gonzales, Louisiana to create a final resting place for the LeBouef couple. It features a striking Christian cross atop the roof along with polished steps at the base. Once the tomb was completed, a black door was added that features a color image of a shrimp boat and a porcelain of the couple. A pair of vases, each with the family initial in a recessed panel, sit on each side of the steps to complete the memorial. Superior Granite Company worked with Elizabeth “Libby” Dempsey at Memorial Park Cemetery in Orangeburg, South Carolina to design this visually striking monument. According to Libby, the family she was working with wanted something different from the existing family stones, but also something that was simple and elegant that could be similar. “There are several family members with monuments in this cemetery, and it’s always been a sort of ‘friendly competition’ to see who has the most eye-catching stone”, said Libby. “We had seen a photo of an example of Silver Cloud in a previous issue of The Graniteer, and as soon as we saw it, we knew that was it.” With stone provided from Central Granite Company, Inc., Superior produced this outstanding memorial. Located in Bowman Memorial Cemetery, a small community cemetery in Bowman, South Carolina, Libby remarked that “we have had several calls about it already” and that when they set it in the cemetery, “it was so beautiful we couldn’t decide which side should face the road. The striations on both sides are gorgeous.” With a simple yet elegant design, the stone really becomes the focal point of the monument. Said Libby, “It really turned out great.” Eagle Granite Company produced this impressive family memorial for Gaulden Monuments in Rock Hill, South Carolina. According to Daniel Gaulden, this particular design was chosen by Mr. Kingry because he wanted to match his great-grandfather’s monument, located in Charlotte’s historic Elmwood Cemetery, as closely as possible. Gaulden first created basic renderings based on the historic stone, the design of which carried through to the final product. According to Gaulden, “Eagle expertly crafted” the monument after the design was approved. Created from Blue Ridge granite, Eagle handtooled the panels on the front and back of the monument. Gaulden Monuments then sandblasted the carving and inscription onto the panels. This beautiful example of skillful artistry is located in Evergreen Cemetery in Charlotte, North Carolina. “More things are wrought through prayer than this world dreams of”, is the phrase engraved on the reverse side of this reverent memorial that sits in the prayer garden area of Parkway Memorial Gardens in Warner Robins, Georgia. Fabricated by Keystone Memorials, Inc., the hands were designed by Bob Young, and were roughed out with a diamond contour saw. It was then fully sculpted by Stan Mullins. This symbolic three-dimensional piece serves as a quiet reminder of the power of prayer; it imbues a graceful yet powerful presence amid those at rest and those who mourn. This handsome sign is located right here in Elberton, Georgia and is a result of the design efforts of Quinn Floyd and Kathie Bell of A.Q. Stone Design Company, Inc. Quinn’s wife Tammy is the owner of Designing Women Salon, and both companies are at the same location. Created with stone provided by Central Granite Company, Quinn enlisted the help of Vintage Stone to cut and set it. A local etching firm created the artistry on both sides of the Jet Black panels. Both the cap and the base were produced from Georgia Grey granite. It is an eye-catching sign, and it certainly is a pleasing sight as you drive into town...not to mention there aren’t a lot of places where you can get a nice new salon hair cut and a pre-cut stencil at the same location! These unique granite pavers were created by Keystone Memorials, Inc., for the University of Georgia as part of the Sunbelt Expo, America’s leading agricultural exposition, held in Moultrie, Georgia. Georgia was chosen to be the “Spotlight State” for 2015, and with funds generated by various Georgia agriculture groups, a permanent Spotlight State building was constructed in Moultrie to house the exhibit. This building will be used each year for future Spotlight states. Included in the building is this group of pavers set in the concrete floor. The center paver features the Sunbelt Expo logo, and the surrounding pavers are state seals that represent the ten states that make up the Sunbelt Expo. The ten states that make up the Sunbelt Expo are: Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Andover, Illinois, is a small town with a lot of pride, the centerpiece of which is their beautiful “Lake Park.” Recognizing the long lasting beauty of granite, the Crippen family, long time residents of Andover, considered placing a granite sign at the entrance to the park to replace an old faded wooden sign and to honor the memory of their parents, who moved their family to Andover in 1954. To help them with their decision making, they contacted Alvin & Brenda VanMeenen of Geneseo Memorials & Bronze in Geneseo, Illinois. Once the color and design were finalized, Brenda called on King’s Monument Company to produce and fabriate the sign. After being sandblasted by Wyoming Monument Company in Wyoming, Illinois, it was placed at the entrance of the park. It features the name of the park on one side, and engraved on the reverse is a dedication to Bob and Marjorie Crippen. After seeing how beautiful the sign looked once it was installed at the park, the Crippen family decided to purchase another sign, identical in size and design to the park sign, to mark the entrance of the Andover Township Cemetery. It too was produced by King’s Monument Company, and features the name of the cemetery on the front, as well as an identical dedication to the Crippen family on the reverse. On April 24, 2015, at a ceremony held at Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park on Hurlburt Field, Florida, a memorial stone was unveiled to honor the Combat Talon mission of U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command. The Combat Talon Memorial Foundation (CTMF) was formed over eight years ago by a group of Combat Talon aircrew members. The foundation’s intent was to place a memorial stone in the air park to memorialize the 54 aircrew members lost during the first 50 years of the AF Special Operations program and to recognize all members associated with the program. Design efforts and fund raising took the CTMF several years. In 2014 the president of the CTMF, MSgt (Ret.) Robert “Buff” Underwood, contacted Denise Chapman, co-owner of Gulf Coast Monument Company, for assistance in developing the final design and fabrication of the memorial. Produced from American Black granite, Quality Monument Sales collaborated with Denise to create this visually stunning tribute. Kay Rhodes of Quality Monument stated this project had been in process for over eight years, having been through numerous design changes. Finally the developer of the project, Mr. Underwood, arrived at a final design after making clay models and producing a full scale mock-up of the stone out of paper. “He actually set it up at the site of the dedication just to make sure it looked right,” recalled Rhodes. “It was almost like a dress rehearsal for the stone.” Mr. Underwood stated that when he first saw the stone he was nearly speechless. “The overwhelming beauty of the workmanship by Quality Monument Sales and the extremely detailed etching by Jenson Etching far exceeded even my wildest expectations of producing a significant memorial that would honor our fallen brothers and sisters.” Underwood continued, “Over 1,200 people attended our dedication ceremony, including 70 family members of our fallen Airmen. We requested and received permission to dedicate the memorial on April 24th this year, which was the 35th anniversary of Operation Eagle Claw. Operation Eagle Claw, conducted April 24, 1980, was a joint-services mission to rescue Americans who were being held hostage in Tehran, Iran, since Nov. 4, 1979. Tragically, the attempt ended in the death of eight service members, including five Air Commandos from Hurlburt Field’s 1st Special Operations Wing, 8th Special Operations Squadron. Those five Air Commandos are included in the Roll of Honor on the reverse side of our monument alongside their fallen brethren”. Mr. Underwood further stated that “working with the team of Gulf Coast Monument Company, Quality Monument Sales, and Jenson Etching was like working with close family. We received support as if we were the only job they had. Thank you all for sharing your talent and expertise with us. You provided a memorial beyond our expectations and most importantly, our collective work provided closure to the families of our fallen”. Southern Monument Builders Association Conference San Marcos, TX (l-r): L.C. & Beth Starr, Elkhart, TX; Mike & MacKenzie Eason, Elkhart, TX; Claire Fitch, Elkhart, TX; Paige & Ian Turpin, Amite, LA; DeeAnn Fitch, Elkhart, TX; Holten Ruff, Hunter Granite Sales; John (Cornbread) Fitch, Elkhart, TX; Ryan Fitch, Elkhart, TX; Bentley Ruff, Hunter Granite Sales; Phil Bennett, Brownwood, TX; Hayden Ruff, Hunter Granite Sales; Kelly Blevens, Elkhart, TX; John Bennett, Brownstone, TX; Samantha Mobely, Elkhart, TX; Sammie & Dennis Peters, Ft. Worth, TX; Jerry & Gloria Matthews, Sulphur Springs, TX; Doug Russell, Lufkin, TX (l-r): Randy & Becky Davis, Austin, TX; Dylan & Leslie Turpin, Bicknell Supply Company. (l-r): Kevin Laird, Brookhaven, MS; Ross Oglesby, Keystone Memorials, Inc.; Dody Campbell, Provencal, LA; Tony Watson, College Station, TX; Deborah & Roger (C.M.) Aholt, Washington, MO (l-r): Kelly & Shawn Henry, San Angelo, TX; Beth & LC Starr, Elkhart, TX; Billy Welch, Uvalde, TX; Ronnie Brown, Miles Supply Company; Ian & Paige Turpin, Amite, LA; Doug Russell, Lufkin, TX Like many before him, Michael Brannon (C.M.) of Brannon Monument Company enjoys the traditional EGA Happy Hour festivites. (l-r): Shawn & Kelly Henry, San Angelo, TX; Charlotte & Billy Fox, Marion, KY; Joan & Bill Fox, Henry & Henry, Inc. American Institute of Architects Convention Atlanta, GA (l-r): Chris Kubas, Elberton Granite Association; Richard Zinsmeister, North Carolina Granite Corporation Georgia Cemetery Association Convention Atlanta, GA (l-r): Cecil Coke, Macon, GA; Clif Dye, Star Granite & Bronze; Jerry Taylor, Louisville, GA Monument Retailers Basic Course October 12 - 16, 2015 Training Institute The class is geared towards those new to the monument industry, however the class will benefit anyone looking to expand their knowledge in our industry. The five-day course will feature tours around Elberton and seminars on industry terminology, pricing, selling and so much more. This year’s guest speaker is John Conway, owner of Conway Development, Inc. John is a third generation memorialist with multiple monument companies in North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. John strongly believes in “Quality, Value and Service” and believes being able to adapt to the market and having a willingness to innovate is what makes a business successful. We are thrilled to have him as part of this course! John Conway Conway Development, Inc.