A 15-year-old decided his hometown needed a veterans memorial, so he raised $77K to build one
Dominique Claseman of Olivia, Minnesota, proposed a veterans memorial at 15 and saw it come to fruition two years later. At the dedication, now an Eagle Scout, he expressed gratitude, saying, “The memorial…is the result of the generosity…I have received.”
Ron Kopacek, impressed by Dominique’s feat, remarked, “Fifteen years old…[raising] $12,000 to $15,000…Really?” Despite doubts, Dominique surpassed his $12,000-$15,000 goal, raising over $77,000.
Reflecting on his journey, Dominique admitted to self-doubt. Initially, he used interviews and Legion events to pitch his idea, expanding the project as donations poured in.
During the dedication, Dominique’s father, Mark Jurgensen, an Iraq veteran, marked 21 footprints on the wet cement with his combat boots, honoring their family’s service legacy.
