The East Lansing Rotary Club is spearheading a project to raise money to build a monument dedicated to one of the two Medal of Honor recipients from the tri-county (Eaton, Clinton, and Ingham Counties) area. Second Lieutenant Sherrod E. Skinner, Jr. entered military service from East Lansing, Michigan and was killed in the Korean War. The other midMichigan Medal of Honor winner — Francis Flaherty, a member of the US Navy killed in WW II — has a monument dedicated to him in his home town at the courthouse in Charlotte, Michigan. The intention is to build a similar monument honoring 2nd Lieutenant Skinner‘s service to our country somewhere within the city limits of East Lansing. Current plans call for constructing the memorial using black polished granite, similar to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC.
Second Lieutenant Skinner’s citation reads as follows:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as an artillery forward observer of Battery F, in action against enemy aggressor forces on the night of 26 October 1952. When his observation post in an extremely critical and vital sector of the main line of resistance was subjected to a sudden and fanatical attack by hostile forces, supported by a devastating barrage of artillery and mortar fire which completely severed communication lines connecting the outpost with friendly firing batteries, 2d Lt. Skinner, in a determined effort to hold his position, immediately organized and directed the surviving personnel in the defense of the outpost, continuing to call down fire on the enemy by means of radio alone until his equipment became damaged beyond repair. Undaunted by
the intense hostile barrage and the rapidly-closing attackers, he twice left the protection of his bunker in order to direct accurate machinegun fire and to replenish the depleted supply of ammunition and grenades. Although painfully wounded on each occasion, he steadfastly refused medical aid until the rest of the men received treatment.
As the ground attack reached its climax, he gallantly directed the final defense until the meager supply of ammunition was exhausted and the position overrun. During the 3 hours that the outpost was occupied by the enemy, several grenades were thrown into the bunker which served as protection for 2d Lt. Skinner and his remaining comrades. Realizing that there was no chance for other than passive resistance, he directed his men to feign death even though the hostile troops entered the bunker and searched their persons. Later, when an enemy grenade was thrown between him and two other survivors, he immediately threw himself on the deadly missile in an effort to protect the others, absorbing the full force of the explosion and sacrificing his life for his comrades. By his indomitable fighting spirit, superb leadership, and great personal valor in the face of tremendous odds, 2d Lt. Skinner served to inspire his fellow marines in their heroic stand against the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Please consider making a contribution to this effort, today. Donations are currently being accepted and checks should be made payable to the East Lansing Rotary Foundation, which is assisting with the fund-raising effort. The East Lansing Rotary Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, which means that contributions to support this effort are tax deductible. Donations can be mailed directly to the foundation in care of: East Lansing Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 4205, East Lansing, MI 48823.It’s expected that the memorial will cost no more than $25,000.00.
Questions about the planned memorial honoring 2nd Lt. Skinner can be addressed to Patrick Boog
(517-333-2982). Thank you for your consideration!
In 1995, the Rotary Club of East Lansing spearheaded the construction of the wooden playground structure at the park. Over the past sixteen years, the playground has been enjoyed by literally thousands of school-aged children and their families. However, heavy use of the facility, along with Michigan’s weather has taken its toll on the structure. The playground renovation originally slated for the fall of 2011 was interrupted when planners became aware that CCA pressure-treated wood was used to build the original playground structure in 1995. While it’s believed the playground is safe and that CCA levels are not harmful, the Rotary Club and City of East Lansing decided that it is more practical to raze the current structure and build a new playground.
“Replacing the existing structure with a completely new one, utilizing the latest in materials and technology, gives us a unique opportunity to create a playground that is more accessible, especially for children with physical disabilities; incorporates the latest safety standards; and provides features promoting physical fitness,” stated Rotary Club President Tim McCaffrey. The planned rebuild of the playground structure will use materials expected to last 25-30 years, or more.
A series of community meetings have been scheduled at the Hannah Community Center on Abbot Rd. in East Lansing. Information about the preliminary concepts for the playground will be shared and public input will be sought about what the future playground structure might look like. Following are the meeting dates and times:
Thursday, February 23rd 7:00 pm
Tuesday, March 6th 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 10th 10:00 am
The Rotary Club of East Lansing was chartered in 1961 and celebrated its 50thyear of service last September. In addition to the playground project, the Club has helped spearhead a number of projects in the community, including: building the East Lansing “splash pad,” renovating the facilities and replacing the boiler at Haven House; and supporting a number of programs provided by non-profit agencies.
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Haven House, the only homeless shelter in the area that serves entire families, was in desperate need of a new boiler. The East Lansing Rotary Club and Foundation along with Teresa Ringenbach, Manager Government Affairs of Direct Energy and John LaRose, Chief Executive Officer of Celink stepped up to help raise money quickly so it can be replaced before anyone gets left out in the cold.
Thanks to the East Lansing Rotary Club and The East Lansing Rotary Foundation’s social media campaign and sponsorship of the Mud and Suds fundraiser combined with additional generous contributions from Williamston Lodge #153 and Freemasons of East Lansing #480 they were able to raise over five thousand dollars for the boiler replacement funds. Celink and Direct Energy each also contributed five thousand dollars bringing in just over $15,000 to cover the costs.
After receiving the funds at a ceremony yesterday, with East Lansing Rotary President Tim McCafferey, and Rotarian Noah Smith, Teresa Ringebach of Direct Energy, and Representative Mark Meadows, the new boiler was ordered and installation is expected in the next couple weeks. “We were happy to assist Haven House with such an urgent need,” said McCafferey. Angie Mayeaux, Executive Director of Haven House expressed
her gratitude saying, “I am so grateful to the East Lansing Rotarians for their dedication to this project and to all the individuals and businesses that made our Christmas wish come true. We are at full capacity and keeping families safe and warm is a priority during the cold months ahead.”
Haven House provides temporary housing to homeless families with children while they look for permanent housing. The staff provides case management, counseling, parenting classes, and tutoring for the residents during their stay and offers a transitional program for families after they move into housing. More information about Haven House is available at www.HavenHouseEL.org or by calling 517-337-2731.
Please join us Friday, December 16th at Tavern on the Square in Downtown Lansing (6-9pm) for a fundraiser supporting East Lansing’s Haven House. We will be raising funds to replace their boiler, which will not make it through the winter. You can view details of the event here: http://on.fb.me/rxrfHk. You can also read the article from the Lansing State Journal here: http://on.lsj.com/t5VgGU.