Donated wall also lists names of those from Michigan who died in Afghanistan, Iraq
Veterans' Day is Nov. 11, but Don McGowan of Clio pays tribute to fallen vets year-round.
And it's the unique memorial he makes with his hands that touches the families of the lost in a special way.
McGowan has always loved making birdhouses. But a tragic death in the family took it to another level.
"Andy Yost was my wife's cousin's boy," McGowan said. "He was killed in Iraq by special forces."
Eager to help ease their suffering, he made four birdhouses for Yost's family.
"Then I said 'Well, I'll do Genesee County and the surrounding areas,' and it went from that to all of Michigan."
That was 2008. But he went back to the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He delivers them himself, even to the Upper Peninsula, spending his own money on gas and raw materials.
"The people I meet, how much they appreciate it, it's worth every cent," McGowan said.
Their appreciation shows.
" 'Thank you so much for the beautiful birdhouse,' " says a letter from Lou Machan. " 'I will cherish it always.' "
It's more than a birdhouse. It's a memorial.
"He said, 'Don, you don't know the great thing you're doing. My boy's buried (and) I see him twice a year. But I put this outside my window and I see him every day,' " McGowan said
But McGowan doesn't want credit.
"Any fallen soldier is the hero," he said. "Cause they're the reason why i can stand here and talk to you right now."
So he pays tribute, along with a wall at the Burton VFW.
"It's every soldier killed from Michigan in Iraq and Afghanistan," McGowan said. "Every one has a birdhouse. I've got 26 I can't find cause they've moved or gotten married or whatever. But I'll find em."
The nearly 200 names of Michigan fallen soldier run almost to the end of McGowan's donated wall. He said if they run out of space they can add more names to the other side. McGowan hopes that isn't necessary.
If you'd like a birdhouse made for a fallen soldier or if you want to donate to McGowan's cause, you can contact him by email at donald-mcgowan@att.net.
