Artist Gary Stone Commended by Military for creation of Veterans Mural

Friday, January 1, 2010
Bev & Gary Stone accept award from Col. Joe Eyre

Artist Gary Stone Commended by Military for creation of Veterans Mural

Stone's Twin Falls Airport Veterans Mural honored Again

TWIN FALLS, ID. December, 2009- On behalf of the US Army Reserves, Retired Col. Joe Eyre, Ambassador Emeritus, presented Idaho Artist Gary Stone with his latest award, a 2-Star Coin, as special recognition for Excellence from the Army Reserves, for his continued effort in the creation and expansion of the Iraq-Afghan War Veterans Memorial Mural at the Magic Valley Airport in Twin Falls.

"Gary's unselfish contribution in memorializing the men and women from Idaho who have given their lives in service to their country, is deserving of this special recognition for excellence. He is truly an ambassador for the Armed Forces in our country", said Col. Eyre while presenting the Two Star Ambassador Coin to Stone at the ceremony.

Stone, who began work on the Veterans Mural two years ago as a memorial to a relative who gave his life in the Iraq conflict, has been recognized by other divisions of the Military for his creation. In 2008, Stone received the 5 Star Award from the ESGR (Employee Support of Guards & Reserves), the highest Award that can be given to a civilian.

In May of this year, Adjutant General Larry Lafrance awarded Stone with a 2 Star Coin, which followed recognition by the Idaho National Guard's 116th Brigade Combat team, led by Commanding General Gayheart. Stone also was awarded with a special Star coin from the Deputy Commander Sgt. Major earlier in 2009.

The Veterans Mural is a living monument to those Idaho soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving of their lives or have been wounded in service to our country. Stone has featured the names of the deceased heroes in the smoke of his "Home Fire" mural. It includes the latest Idaho soldier who gave his life, Matthew Heffelfinger, from Stone's hometown of Kimberly, who died in November while serving his country.

Gary Stone receives no compensation for his work on the mural, but depends solely on contributions from the general population who appreciate his dedication to those who serve in the US military. Stone can also be seen regularly at the Magic Valley Airport adding to his 42' long Community Mural that he has been working on since 1995. His original Woodcut Art Paintings that were featured in the book, "Stone by Stone on the Oregon Trail" was the inspiration for, and are displayed throughout the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Montpelier Idaho.

About Bev and Gary Stone

Bev and Gary Stone are renowned authors and illustrators who are renowned experts on the history of the Oregon Trail and the Snake River Canyon. The Stones have been featured on several Oregon Trail documentaries, numerous radio and TV talk shows, PBS, and newspapers across the US and several foreign countries. Gary Stone's artwork was the basis for, and is on display at the Oregon-California Trail Interpretive Center in Montpelier, ID. More information can be acquired on their website at www.stonebystoneenterprises.com or by contacting Bill Knopp at 208-481-0312 or at bknopp1@yahoo.com .