fall 2015 Well here we are, looking towards the closing of another year in the Elberton granite industry. Seems like it was just a minute ago that I was writing my notes for the winter edition. In them, I talked about the importance of finding something in your life to be thankful for and holding that thing and remembering it throughout the year. As we come to the close of this year, I would hope that you were able to find that one thankful thing and that you have been able to carry it with you throughout this year. We find the Elberton granite industry today much as it was a year ago…BUSY! It is truly a blessing to see the orders come in and the finished products being shipped out and for that, we are truly thankful. As we bring this year to a close, we look back on some of the events of the year. The EGA was able to represent its members at various trade shows across this country, maintaining old relationships and forming new ones. EGA was asked to co-chair the Natural Stone Council’s OSHA & MSHA regulations committee. This is an important area and EGA is proud to be a part of this in an effort to stay informed about current or proposed regulations that may affect how business is done. We also saw this year bring new transportation infrastructure into Elberton. This is in the form of widening of one of the main highways coming into town and also a new railroad connection. Both of these projects will allow Elberton’s granite industry greater options and flexibility for transportation in the future. Elberton’s local high school, along with assistance from EGA, saw the granite lab program become an accredited pathways program for students looking to enter the work force in the granite industry. This is important because it helps ensure that a continued workforce is available for our industry and that the necessary skills are being introduced to the future of the granite industry. EGA has also been working to develop a new website platform that hopefully will be online by the New Year. With this new website, EGA is hoping to continue expanding into the future through new technology and new ways to bring information to our customers. Finally, this year saw the Elberton granite district harvest and manufacture vast quantities of our beautiful granite for customers around the world. For you, our customers, this should serve as a testament to the efforts of The EGA and its members in our quest to serve you. It should also show you that we are planning for our future in the granite industry, and that we are also planning for the future of your businesses as well. We know that you have a choice on where to do business and we thank you for another year of choosing The EGA and its members for your granite needs. From all of us here at the Elberton Granite Association, we wish you happy holidays and a Happy New Year! The EGA is proud to announce that Michael Scott Anderson has successfully completed his apprenticeship as a Stone Cutter. Scott completed 1,530 hours of apprenticeship training under the expert guidance of Baston Monument Company. We look forward to the projects that Scott will create and wish him best of luck in his chosen profession. Michael Baston and Scott Anderson EGA’s Matthew Pruitt presents Scott with his Certificate of Apprenticeship IMEX International, Inc. was named August’s Industry of the Month by the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce’s Community Pride Committee. Pictured are: Front Row (L-R): Massoud Besharat (Owner), Curtis Brown, Stephanie Montgomery, Dallas Brumfield, Bijan Amini and Jason Smith. Back Row (L-R): Bill Brown, Pam Brown, Val Evans and Leeann Smith. Photo courtesy of The Elberton Star Smoky Mountain Rally makes a stop at The Guidestones Sports cars, muscle cars and other unique rides were featured in a Smoky Mountain Rally that ventured from Knoxville, TN to Hendersonville, NC and Savannah. Here part of the the group - there were 150 in all - stopped for water and a view of Elbert County’s Guidestones. The group was hosted during their stop by the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of The Elberton Star star granite interiors NAMED BUSINESS OF THE MONTH Star Granite Interiors was named August’s Business of the Month by the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce’s Community Pride Committee. Pictured are: Front Row (L-R): Sid Gailey, Pam Brown, Jamie Holland, Craig Algood, Tenna Brown, Bobbie Partain, Beth Jenkins, DJ Nestor, Kim Davis, Rick Adams, and Rusty Adams (Owner). Back Row (L-R): Bill Brown, Jason Smith, Val Evans, and Leeann Smith. Congratulations to Star Granite Interiors! Photo courtesy of The Elberton Star SOUTHERN GRANITE COMPANY NAMED INDUSTRY OF THE MONTH Southern Granite Company was named September’s Industry of the Month by the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce’s Community Pride Committee. Pictured are: (L-R): Lydia Lamar, Jason Edwards, Jason Smith, Vicki Edwards (Owner), Melissa Dias, Pam Brown, Elbert County Chamber of Commerce; TJ Dias, and Bill Brown. Congratulations to Southern Granite! Photo courtesy of The Elberton Star Star Granite & Bronze Adds Customer Service Talent The team continues to grow over at Star Granite & Bronze, with the addition of three talented Customer Service Specialists. Mary Thomas is responsible for Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, Tennessee, Illinois, and Michigan. She previously utilized her graphic arts background working in the screen printing industry. She has been with Star for almost a year. She describes the work environment as “like family”, and appreciates the teamwork that exists in her department. Angel Dove covers Canada, California, Ohio, and Michigan. Originally a cosmetologist, Angel has been working at Star for over a year. When asked about what it’s like to work in such a demanding position where every day is a different challenge, Angel says, “even on days where it’s crazy busy, we’re all there for each other”. Carmen Flores joined Star a year ago, and is responsible for Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Her previous experience was as an assistant to the news director at the local radio station, and she remains active with Elberton’s “Friends Helping Friends” organization. Carmen enthusiastically says that what she likes about working at Star is, “everything!”. All three of these talented ladies bring their own unique abilities to the Customer Service team. The EGA is proud to welcome them to Star Granite & Bronze, and we wish each of them continued Mary Thomas Customer Service Specialist Angel Dove Customer Service Specialist Carmen Flores Customer Service Specialist CREATIVE-PREMIER DESIGNS Debuts Cremation Remembrance Collection Creative-Premier Designs has assembled a new collection of designs for the remembrance of loved ones who have been cremated. Included are bench designs, columbariums, single uprights, and double uprights with suggestions for placement of cremation urns. Available as brochures, books, or digital files, the designs can be cut on stencil also. Digital files can be e-mailed or put on CD in most common formats. For more information, call 800-542-4295 or see their website: www.creative-premier.com. DESIGN MART Adds New Marker Collections To Online Monument Designer Design Mart announces the addition of two new marker series to their new Online Monument Designer. Thy Victory featuring 50 bevels, slants, and flats; Thy Promise featuring 29 flats; and Journeys Remembered featuring 79 bevels, slants and flats. All markers match the markers shown in the Design Marts books and brochures, which may be personalized with retailers’ company names and logos. They already have carvings and panels in place, and are ready for lettering and other customization. Carvings and panels may be removed, and new ones may be added if desired. There are more than 3,500 components that may be searched by keyword. All designs may be viewed in various granite colors, and a CAD-ready file is produced, which eliminates long turnaround times for approval drawings. In addition to a ready-to-cut CAD file a color rendering is automatically generated - giving customers an idea of how the final monument will appear. Retailers are finding it helpful to offer color images for approval while families wait, and they may email them to distant family members who can’t be in the office but want to be part of the creation and selection process. Design Mart’s Online Catalog & Monument Designer is completely web-based, and anyone with an internet Journeys Remembered Bevels, Slants & Flats All Journeys Remembered Markers are shown in color. There are 79 markers, 29 of which are flats. All designs may be personalized by removing or adding more than 3.500 components. Slant and bevel designs may be placed on flats. Journeys Remembered Flats There is an all flat version of Journeys Remembered brochures featuring 29 markers, which are helpful for cemeteries without an upright section. These flat marker designs may be applied to slant and bevel shapes if desired. Thy Victory & Thy Promise Bevels, Slants & Flats Thy Victory 50 bevels, slants and flats. Of these, 29 are flats. Designs may be interchanged between types/shapes of markers. connection can use it. Brief tutorial videos are available at http://designmart.com/monument-designer-and-digital-catalog/online-monument-designer-general-information/ . Both videos demonstrate just how easy it is to personalize monuments and create color pictures and CAD files at the same time. One video is approximately three minutes long, while the more detailed one is approximately 13 minutes long. For more information or a free 30-day visit www.designmart.com, click Designer and Digital Catalog, and then About/General Information. Or you may type this address into your browser: http://designmart.com/ monument-designer-and-digital-catalog/ online-monument-designer-general-information/ . You may also call Design Mart at 800-736-7455 or email d-mart@ designmart.com if you have questions. Tutorial Video Two videos are available at http://designmart.com/monument-designer-and-digital-catalog/online-monument-designer-general-information/ . The shorter one is approximately three minutes long and the more detailed, tutorial video is about 13 minutes long. JOHNSON MACHINE SHOP Adds New Diamond Coring Machine to its Equipment Line Johnson Machine Shop has added a special diamond coring machine that features an updated design. This machine is constructed of heavy structural steel with a welded frame that ensures maximum stability and rigidity. Complete water and hydraulic systems are built into the machine, and need only to be connected to the source. Each machine is self-contained with motors and controls wired in, ready to operate from the customer’s fused disconnect. It features full operator control, with an amp meter read-out that assures regulated pressure on the material. All electrical and hydraulics are conveniently located with built-in controls. Variable pressure assures fast, economical, and clean operation. Its features and specifications are as follows: Motorized conveyor system to move rock in and out of coring machine. A.C. variable spindle speed. Automatic predrilling speed. 24” of raise and lower. 10” of left and right movement by hydraulic cylinder. Limit switch to stop depth of cut and raise up automatically to top limit switch. Clark Johnson and Steve Johnson of Johnson Machine Shop Remember to contact Johnson Machine Shop when it’s time to add or upgrade your equipment. Clark and Steve are ready and available to answer any questions you have or give you a demonstration. 706-283-5750 Steve Johnson Clark Johnson Ben Brubaker Trucking, LLC The EGA welcomes Ben Brubaker Trucking, LLC to the association! Located in Crawford, GA, Brubaker Trucking specializes in transporting granite and granite-related equipment locally or across the country. Brubaker Trucking is owned and operated by Ben and Jessica Brubaker, a vibrant and enthusiastic couple who began their company business in 2010. Ben is “farm-raised”, working alongside his dad in Crawford, GA, loading trucks and tractors and being hands-on in every challenging aspect of farm life. After Ben graduated from The University of Georgia with an agri-business degree, he was ready to branch out from farming and began Brubaker Trucking because, as he puts it, “farming and trucking sort of go together”. He began by transporting loads using a single truck and trailer. “Darica Trucking really gave us our break into hauling granite”, said Ben, “and I like having granite be a niche market for us. It’s like we’re carrying art, it’s meaningful, and we have a great relationship with our customers” Eventually Ben grew the business to include more trucks, trailers, and a crew of reliable drivers. (It’s worth noting that Brubaker’s trailers are aluminum, meaning they are designed to carry the maxiumum amount of weight that the DOT allows on the road.) Said Ben, “We’re getting more and more calls from granite companies around town, and we hope that it leads to more business. We really enjoy what we’re doing and want to keep growing.” Jessica has a business background, having graduated from Georgia State University, and together with Ben, she manages the accounting and dispatch side of things. Both Ben and Jessica describe every day as being a challenge, because coordinating, loading and delivering granite is delicate work. “We think of all those granite memorials on the back of the truck like they’re eggs”, explained Jessica, “and we treat them that way, too. No matter how challenging it is for us to meet deadlines, we always get it done, because we know how meaningful that load of granite is.” The drivers employed by Brubaker understand that too: “I spotted a large vase riding shotgun alongside one of our drivers”, said Jessica, “he told me he just couldn’t bear the thought of it being on the trailer, so he had put it in the cab with him for safe keeping.” That is the kind of dedication and care Brubaker puts into all of its deliveries. Choosing Brubaker means that you can trust that what gets loaded on the trailer will get to its destination unscathed and on time. “No matter what” is a phrase they believe in, and they put in every effort to ensure 100% customer satisfaction. Please take a moment to welcome Ben and Jessica into the association, and give them a call for your shipping needs. The EGA is very pleased to have them on board, and we wish them good luck, continued growth, and safe travels. Ready to roll! Ben and Jessica Brubaker with their fleet of trucks. Ben Brubaker Owner/Operators Jessica and Ben Brubaker Ben Brubaker Trucking, LLC 534 Bowen Farm Road Crawford, GA 30630 706-338-1499 Porcelains Unlimited, LLC A recent addition to EGA’s membership is Porcelains Unlimited, LLC, owned and operated by James “Tanner” Lewis. With an office already established in Florida, Tanner brought his entreprenurial talents to Elberton over the summer, intent on growing his business here. “I wanted to be in the heart of it all; in the granite capital of the world” said Tanner. “I can’t think of a better place to be, and everyone I’ve met so far is so willing to listen to what Porcelains Unlimited can offer. I’m wondering why I didn’t come here sooner.” Porcelains Unlimited offers a vast range of memorialization products, including cameo portraits, crypt & niches panels, cremation-memorialization products & more. Each porcelain is hand made, utilizing a signature company trade secret that results in the most vibrant colors available. The types and varieties of porcelains available is very impressive; almost any type of remembrance can be captured and reproduced, as can be seen in the accompanying photos. A key benefit of working with Tanner is that he understands the urgency associated with providing customers with a quality porcelain in a timely and professional manner. Porcelains Unlimited takes pride in delivering brilliant quality products with turnaround times of less than two weeks. In fact, most orders ship within 8-12 days. All porcelains come with a 100% free unconditional warranty, guaranteed for no less than 200 years, regardless of whether it’s broken, stolen, vandalized, or whatever the cause; no questions asked. Photo editing and restoration services are free of charge, and proofs are available for approval usually within two days of receiving the order. Please give Tanner a call or email when you need a porcelain provider you can count on. The EGA is very proud to have him as a member. Stop by soon or hop online and take a look at some of the great products Porcelains Unlimited has to offer! Porcelains Unlimited, LLC 924 Elbert Street Elberton, GA 30635 866-620-4460 www.porcelainsunlimited.com The EGA is proud to announce that Rapid Rock Granite, LLC has recently become a voting member of the EGA. Begun in early 2014, Rapid Rock Granite is co-owned and managed by Rick Rice and Marc Libby. Both Rick and Marc each have over 25 years experience working in the granite industry. Rapid Rock manufactures monuments of all sizes and designs, and they pride themselves on quality craftsmanship and production, quick turnaround times, and attention to their customer’s specific needs. Rick and Marc have been lifelong friends who have worked well together for many years. The pair decided to begin Rapid Rock Granite Company believing they have the experience and dedication to their craft to make Rapid Rock a strong competitor in the granite industry. Both Rick and Marc have a strong work ethic, a love for family, and a strong desire to build a successful business. Rick’s mother-in-law, Jonell Worley, is responsible for the administrative and bookkeeping details. Jonell has been in the granite industry for over 40 years, and is an essential part of Rapid Rock’s daily operations. Rick stated, “Jonell is an important link between us and the customers. She has been a big part of our early success, and we are lucky to have her as part of our team!” Please welcome Rapid Rock to the EGA, and give them a call or visit anytime. The EGA is proud to have them on board, and we wish them continued success in their new enterprise. Rapid Rock Granite, LLC 2019 Hard Cash Road Dewy Rose, GA 706-498-0999 Leon Haskew, focused on polishing. Sister City Exchange Program Since 1977, the Elberton Granite Association annually hosts a group of high school students from the Japanese granite-producing center of Mure-Cho, Japan. Again this July the EGA was a key participant in this program in which students from Elberton and Mure High School exchange visits. Upon their arrival at the EGA, the students and chaperones were warmly greeted by Chris Kubas, EGA’s Executive Vice President. Chris took them next door to the granite museum, where the students delighted in seeing the early tools and equipment used to quarry and produce granite. After a visit to the museum and lots of selfies taken at the base of the Argo spire, the students loaded up in the EGA vans and went out to the Georgia Guidestones, where they spent quite a bit of time looking at the Guidestones and delighting in the company of their EGA exchange friends. The next stop was a trip to a quarry, and then to a granite production facility. Afterwards, the students returned to the Granite Center, where they ate a meal and shared photos they had taken during the day. Many of the students learned for the first time about a favorite Southern dessert known as “banana pudding”. We here at the EGA are proud to participate in introducing these young, enthusiastic students to The Granite Capital of the World, and we are already looking forward to having them visit us again next year. The traditional photo in front of the museum sign. Standing with the students, their hosts, and their chaperone are Tom Evans, Jr. (left), and John Fleming (right). The students had fun everywhere they went. They ran all around the Guidestones and took lots and lots of photos. “Try it, you’ll like it!” Chris Kubas in¬troduces a young student to a Southern delicacy, Banana Pudding. At the museum, watching a video. A trip to a granite production plant created a lot of interest, and resulted in lots of photos and ‘selfies’. The students were particularly fascinated by the large saws and stone guillotine. Tom Evans, Sr. poses with a student outside the museum. At the quarry. Standing with the students are their hosts, along with Chris Kubas, John Fleming, and Tom Evans, Sr. Carl Lawson Yeargin, Sr. Mr. Carl Lawson Yeargin, Sr., 80, of 1840 Elberton Highway, Elberton, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at St. Mary’s Hospice House in Athens. Born in Elbert County on October 19, 1934, he was the son of the late Julian and Thelma Scarborough Yeargin. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Hawks Yeargin. Mr. Yeargin worked many years in the granite industry, and was an owner of Yeargin and Childs Granite Company, Inc., along with his father and brother-in-law, the late Otis Childs, Jr.. Yeargin and Childs Granite Company was a member of the Elberton Granite Association from 1978 until it closed in 2006. Mr. Yeargin was also a member of Fortsonia Baptist Church and a 50 year Master Mason of Philomathea Masonic Lodge #25. Survivors include his children: Carla Taylor and her husband Ken of Elberton, Lawson Yeargin and his wife Paige of Elberton, and Gary Sparks of West Viginia; and his loving sister, Bernita Y. Childs of Elberton. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Andrew Taylor, Kevin Taylor, Riley Yeargin, Jordan Yeargin, Chance Yeargin, Christina Randall, and Jason Sparks. Funeral services were held April 28, 2015, in the Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the Rev. Philip Hart and the Rev. Emily Case officiating. Interment was in the Forest Hills Memorial Park. JAMES RONNIE LOVINGGOOD Mr. James “Ronnie” Lovinggood, 62, of Elberton, passed away August 5, 2015, at St. Mary’s Hospice House. Ronnie was born in Elberton to the late James Lester and Corine Dobson Lovinggood. He was the husband of Rebecca Dye Lovinggood, and they would have celebrated 41 years of marriage together on August 18. Ronnie was a veteran of the United States Army National Guard. He was the general manager at Granite Sales & Supply in Elberton, and was a a member of Northside Baptist Church. In addition to his wife, Rebecca, Ronnie is survived by a daughter, Carly Lovinggood of Greenwood, SC; a brother David Lovinggood of Elberton; and a twin sister, Renae Vickery and her husband, Jack, of Elberton. A service to celebrate Ronnie’s life was held on August 7, 2015, in the chapel of Hicks Funeral Home with Kenny Martin officiating. Interment was at Elmhurst Cemetery. Arrangements for Mr. Lovinggood were in the care of Hicks Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Elberton. Memorials may be made to the Dewy Rose Baptist Church Youth Group, P.O. Box 149, Dewy Rose, GA 30634. Central Granite Company worked with Sparkman Marble & Granite in Huntsville, AL to create this lovely memorial. The design is based on an old statue the family had seen several years ago. They wanted something very similar, with soft lines along the wings, wood-like details on the cross, and intricately carved flowers along the scrolls. Carved by local craftsman Steve Mooney at Central’s facility, this nostalgic monument is an eloquent study in artistry. It is located in Maple Hill Cemetry, Huntsville, AL. This elegant memorial commemorates the life of James L. Belue, owner and founder of Belue Farms in Spartanburg, SC. The monument was designed by Mr. Belue’s wife, Betty, daughter Harriett, and son Mike, along with the help of Jamar Memorials of Spartanburg, SC. Brownstone Memorials, Inc. crafted this distinctive monument, which is located in the cemetery of Fairview Baptist Church, also located in Spartanburg. This elegant mausoleum was fabricated by Southern Mausoleums for Patten Monument Company located in Comstock Park, MI. Mr. Jack Skoog was the owner and founder of American Bumper Company, a local manufacturer in West Michigan. Since the 1970’s, American Bumper has been a major supplier to automotive manufacturers throughout the world. Prior to founding the bumper company, Mr. Skoog was a stone mason and brick layer. Andy Bolt of Patten recalled that the family home in Florida was constructed with a large quantity of tile and marble from Italy, and that Patten’s countertop division provided several granite details throughout the home. When it unfortunately became necessary to select a proper memorial, the family returned to Patten, and decided upon a mausoleum in tribute to Jack’s love of stonework. Patten designed the American Black rock pitched portico that contrasts nicely with the columns, and Southern Mausoleums provided the bronze floral design on the polished American Black doors as well as the stained glass window in the back of the mausoleum. When it came time to find a spot to place the mausoleum, only two cemeteries in the area had enough space to allow its placement. Eventually, Highland Cemetery in Ionia, MI, was selected as the location. According to Bolt, “A really neat part of its placement is that in the fall and winter, when the leaves are off the trees, you can see American Bumper Company in the distance." This unique memorial was fabricated by Keystone Memorials, Inc., for Hope Haven Marble & Granite in Gonzales, LA. The carved figure at right is actually a sculpted representation of Mrs. Leon. Using family photos of her, Keystone created her likeness and placed her next to the headstone, symbolic of her grief and loneliness. In addition to replicating Mrs. Leon, Keystone also fabricated in great detail Mr. Leon’s boots and belt, using his actual boots and belt as provided by the family. Both the boots, belt, and the grieving widow were created using Keystone’s modern five-axis CNC machine, known as the Shapemill. Eagle Granite Company worked with Shelly Roy of Roselawn Monument Company in Baton Rouge, LA to create this elegant memorial to long-time State Senator Russell Long, son of Louisiana governor and US Senator Huey Long. A project seven years in the making, the design was based on an old photo of an obliesk that the family wanted to replicate. Rather than duplicate the original design, the family eventually decided to go for a more tailored look. They opted instead for a monument with straight lines that features a sculpted bronze medallion of the Senator. The sides of the monument contain the Senator’s history and accomplishments, a commissioned art deco Louisiana state seal, and Senator Long’s favorite scriptures. Much like the Senator himself, his memorial looms large within the confines of Roselawn Cemetery in Baton Rouge. At nine feet tall, it is the largest single monument in the cemetery. According to Roy, “The monument can be seen from the road, and it really makes a statement. The general feedback on the memorial has been overwhelmingly positive. The bronze medallion was created by local artist Steve Gibson, who sculpted the bust of Sentaor Long that sits in the Louisiana federal courthouse, and who has created other bronzes for the Long family This beautiful monument, with its striking roof line and majestic columns, was created in-house at Southern Granite Company. A turning lathe was used for the columns and vase; portions of the pediment top were created with Southern’s contour wire saw. It is set in Bowling Green Gardens in Bowling Green, KY. During the 2004 session of the Missouri General Assembly, the Missouri House of Representatives voted to adopt a measure calling for the prominent display of the preamble to the Missouri Constitution in the House Chamber. The resolution was intended to remind the House members of the purpose of the state constitution. Keystone Memorials, Inc. created this beautiful granite plaque for Van Vickle Monuments of St. Joseph, MO. This plaque is prominently displayed at the Missouri State Capitol Building’s House of Representatives chamber in Jefferson City. A memorial dedicated to the 22nd Infantry Regiment was unveiled at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center’s Memorial Walk of Honor located at Fort Benning, GA, on June 23, 2015. Commissioned by the 22nd Infantry Regiment Society and fabricated by Keystone Memorials, Inc., the monument is in memory of the 2,954 soldiers in that unit who were killed in the line of duty between the War of 1812 and today. 22nd Infantry Regiment Society President Lt. Col. Lon Oakley attributes the vision for the monument to retired Lt. Col. and U.S. Rep. Steve Russell, the former Task Force 1-22 commander whose task force was responsible for the capture of Saddam Hussein. After nearly a decade of planning, Russell and fellow 22nd Infantry Regiment veterans saw the monument for the first time at the dedication ceremony. “It’s very important that we have a place to reflect for those of us that knew the names on the memorial and for the families and descendants to come and reflect on their loved one,” Russell said. Remarks at the ceremony were followed by a procession to the Memorial Walk of Honor, where the monument bearing the names of nearly 3,000 22nd infantrymen who died was unveiled. Also included in the memorial is a bronze statue, symbolic of the strength and fortitude of the soldiers. The original 22nd Infantry Regiment dates back to the Battle of Chickamauga in 1812. The 22nd Infantry Regiment Society includes regiments from the 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment; 10th Mountain Division’s 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment; 25th Infantry Division’s 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment and 4th Battalion and 22nd Infantry Regiment. The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Patriot Park, a 155-acre tract linking Columbus, Georgia, and the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, is the first world-class site to pay tribute to the U.S. Army Infantryman and those who fight alongside him. As the only interactive Army Museum in the United States, the museum showcases the contributions of the Infantry Soldier in every war fought by the U.S. by offering immersive participation and engaging visitors in the unique experiences of the Infantry Soldier. The complex also includes a parade field, memorial walk of honor, Vietnam Memorial Plaza, authentic World War II Company Street and 3-D IMAX® Theatre. For more information, visit www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org. Sometimes memorial tributes are challenging to describe. Describing the dimensions or type of stone is a simple matter. The reasons behind the designs can be compelling, uplifting, inspri¬rational. In this case, the reasons are more than challenging, they are difficult to comprehend. A young couple with two small children, both struggling with personal issues and dealing with the hard facts of life, one who chose to end it all, and the other who repeated the deed just over a month later. A mother, forced to bury her child, bereft and grief-stricken, tormented with the image of what she found that day, now raising her grandchildren as her own. A father, comfort¬ing his wife, forced to carry on, despite losing his daughter and the father of his grandchildren to suicide. The image of a weeping angel is symbolic of loss, grief and mourning. This particular angel is symbolic of something more: the mother herself, weeping over the senseless loss of two lives, crippled by unyielding grief. For over two years, George and Terrie Caldwell struggled to decide how best to memorialize their daughter and son-in-law. They eventually met with River Edge Granite Com¬pany, Inc., and after many meetings and design changes, this magnificent monument was created. “We wanted the angel to represent Terrie, and when we found the wonderful folks at Riv¬er Edge, we knew we had found the right people,” relates George. “These people made us feel they cared enough to do everything we wanted, even though it was hard for everybody. They put ‘we care’ ahead of everything else.” Elberton’s own renowned sculptor and artisan Steve Mooney met with George and Terrie many times throughout months of design changes, and eventually created the angel in the image of Terrie. “He got it right, even down to the individual hairs on her head,” said George. “He met with us, and held Terrie’s hands; he talked to her, and he said he felt he could do the project justice. And he did. He was so obviously touched by what she was going through; what we both were feeling. He put his whole heart into this job. That angel looks just like her. Located in Parkhill Cemetery in Columbus, GA, this monument makes an eloquent and illustrative statement. Looking at the photos, it is obvious that many people were involved in the creation and placement of the memorial. George, Terrie, and the couple’s young children were all in attendance when the monument was set in the cemetery; each wrote a message on the base of the monument with a grease pencil, which was then traced over with a Dremel tool to make them a permanent part of the memorial. According to George, “The messages got covered up when the rest of the monument was set in place, but it meant a lot to us to be able to do that.” One last thing George wanted to convey: “I can barely put into words how hard this whole thing was, and how much the people at River Edge mean to us. Everyone involved made the worst feeling in the world feel a little bit better The family is very pleased with the intricate details so carefully crafted by Steve Mooney The couple’s young children watch as the monument is set into place. They, along with the parents, wrote messages on the base of the monument during its placement. Florida Monument Builders Association Cocoa Beach, FL Tony, Alexandria, and Christine Elrod, Ocoee, FL; Jim Tramonte, Ocoee, FL; Michael Pisciotta, Star Granite and Bronze; Ann & Powell Helms, Bradenton, FL. John Hamilton, Palfleet Equipment; Christine & Tony Elrod, Ocoee, FL. Brian Stephenson, Leesburg, FL; Bill & Mary Sue Stephenson, Leesburg, FL; Roger Wallace, Wallace Granite Company; Christine, Alexandria, & Tony Elrod, Ocoee, FL; Jim Tramonte, Ocoee, FL; Fred & Ann Menor, Lake Worth, FL Karl Hicks and George Arnold, Glass Art Imaging; Kevin Cantrell, Palm Harbor, FL Bill & Mary Stephenson, Leesburg, FL; Brian Stephenson, Leesburg, FL; Tony, Christine, and Alexandria Elrod, Ocoee, FL; Jim Tramonte, Ocoee, FL; Powell & Ann Helms, Bradenton, FL; Mike Beri, Bicknell Supply Company Catholic Cemetery Conference San Diego, CA Steve Skeba, Star Granite & Bronze; Carmen Colao, Buffalo, NY; John Petejan, Star Granite & Bronze Mid-America Monument Builders Association Rogers, AR Teddy & Beth Foster, Brookland, AR; April & Michael Hughley, Bicknell Supply Company; Becca & Brody Foster, Brookland, AR Children: Kyla & Matt Foster Roger (C.M.), Deborah & Justin Aholt, Washington, MO; Sam & Cathy Flocks, Springdale, AR; Ruth Bell, Beloit, KS; Tom Oglesby, Keystone Memorials, Inc.; Melissa & Josh Bell, Beloit, KS Monument Builders of the Carolinas Myrtle Beach, SC Ruth & Troy Caldwell, Kokomo, IN; Bran & Joanna Oswalt, Florence, SC; Mike & Lu Loy, Mt. Airy, NC; Steve & Beth Carroll, Fredericksburg, VA; Mike Beri, Bicknell Supply Company Nikki & Robbie Ledbetter, Shelby, NC; Tammy & Quinn Floyd, A.Q. Stone Company; Cathy Batts, Rolesville, NC; Ron Bartholomew, Rolesville, NC; Clau¬dia Batts, Rolesville, NC; Lisa & Matt Petersen, Burlington, NC. James Walters, Eagle Gran¬ite Company; Bran & Joanna Os¬walt, Florence, SC; Nikki & Robbie Ledbetter, Shelby, NC. April Myers, South Boston, VA; Jan & James Walters, Eagle Granite Company; Ron Bartholomew, Rolesville, NC; Tina Cannon, Eagle Granite Company. Kneeling (L-R): Patricia Myers, South Boston, VA; Brad & Lori Ashwell, South Boston, VA Children (L-R): Nolan Myers, Liam Myers, Logan Ashwell, Lucas Ashwell, Taylor Ashwell Jason Jankowski, Palfleet Equipment Company; Larry Joyner, Wilson, NC; John Hamilton, Palfleet Equipment Company Matthew, Ann, & Greg Campbell, Siler City, NC; Jan & James Walters, Eagle Granite Company; Tina Cannon, Eagle Granite Company; Miranda Cannon, Eagle Granite Company Tina Cannon, Eagle Granite Company; James Walters, Eagle Granite Company; Nathon Gaulden, Greenwood, SC; Greg Daniels, Marion, NC. EGA Board Elects New Board of Trustees Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Rear: Chris Kubas, Executive Vice President, Elberton Granite Association; Jake Smith, Central Granite Company, Inc. Middle: John Campbell, Dixie Granite Company, Inc.; Stanley Mills, L&M Granite Company, LLC; Trudy King, King’s Monument Company, Inc.; Mark Hill, Hillcrest Granite Company, Inc.; Rose Walker, Walker Granite Company, Inc.; Tom Oglesby, President, Keystone Memorials, Inc. Michael Baston, Baston Monuments, Jim Welch, Welch’s Granite Company