TOMMY TUCKER MEMORIAL

U.S. Army Pfc. Thomas “Tommy” Tucker, from Madras, Oregon was one of two U.S. soldiers who disappeared after an attack on a traffic control checkpoint just south of Baghdad on June 16th, 2006, launching a massive three-day search effort, and galvanizing citizens of the United States.

The story of Tucker’s kidnapping and death at the hands of insurgents gripped not only the small community of Madras, but also the entire nation. The outpouring of concern and the offers to help were overwhelming but welcomed by the devastated family.

Tucker’s friends and family made the decision to channel this national sympathy into something tangible and everlasting, and called Rip Caswell’s studio to ask the artist if he was interested in sculpting an image of their son and friend.Caswell responded by spending private time with the people closest to Tucker, in order to find the inspiration crucial in creating an accurate reflection of Tommy’s spirit and character as well as capturing the heart of all soldiers who are currently serving and those who have served in the past.

The emotion-packed figure represents a U.S. soldier, reaching upward to aid an Iraqi girl – who is both fearful and hopeful at once, as she sits perched on the edge of a shelled building ledge.  The life-size bronze of this magnificent piece is slated for installation at Friendship Park in Madras, OR at the end of the summer, 2009. 

Make sure to check our event listing for the date and time!
 

              Iraqi Girl in Bronze               Tommy Tucker in Clay