Wauzeka welcomed back one of its valued community members when the Veterans Memorial eagle returned the Friday before Memorial Day.
This past March, the Veterans Memorial Committee announced that the eagle would be absent because it was showing signs of weathering. It was repainted by FAST Fiberglass, a company out of Sparta.
“We are a small company and do not have the resources to take on many refurbishment projects. However, because the eagle could be transported to our facility, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to assist with its restoration,” said Scott Lakowske, a sales representative from FAST Fiberglass.
FAST Fiberglass, LLC, also fabricates displays and other products, including a giant Dr. Pepper bottle for a museum in Waco, Texas.
The eagle was made of bronze fiberglass by David Oswald, a sculptor out of Sparta, and the Eternal Art Monument Company out of Boscobel served as the project’s designer. The eagle was a solid bronze color before receiving its makeover. Now, it’s colored to resemble a bald eagle.
“They did such a wonderful job, and they were so easy to work with,” said Joanne Peloch, who is a member of the Veterans Memorial Committee. “It was up there for a while... We had it repainted. The Veterans Committee voted whether to have it repainted, and we’ve gotten positive feedback. I’m glad we had it painted natural. People have told me you can really see it from a distance now.”
According to Lakowske, Peloch reached out to FAST about the work. “Joanne and her team are wonderful people, and seeing their dedication and passion for the project made it especially rewarding for us to be involved. We were honored to play a small role in preserving the eagle.”
FAST Fiberglass has existed in one form or another for more than 50 years. Ryan Lakowske purchased the business in 2020. It specializes in fabricating fiberglass statues and other attractions, including life-sized animals, food or even body parts.
Peloch said Wauzeka residents should share credit for the memorial and the eagle. “I’ve got a good bunch of leaders to help out and a community to support it. It really does take a whole county.”
She noted that the memorial itself has been given continued financial support since its conception and is fully paid for. “The whole [memorial] is paid for thanks to fundraisers like the Sweetheart Steak Supper and others. Having it paid for is wonderful.”
The memorial receives money from fundraising events. The Committee continues to raise money in order to cover ongoing upkeep and also to give back to their community.
