"Honor Board' has home at City Hall

Operations may be winding down in Iraq and Afghanistan but American troops are still fully occupied in all branches of the military. A local group, the Military Parents of Sisters (MPS), wants to be sure that the Sisters community is aware that several young men and women from Sisters are actively serving their country.

The group created an honor board, which now sits in a prominent place in City Hall, just to the left as one enters the building. The display contains photos and a brief biography of several troops with ties to Sisters. "It is there for the community to come and meet our own troops," said Carla Merrell, one of the founders of MPS.

Merrell said it is an ongoing project, with photos changing as personnel enter and leave the military. Any active duty, reserve or National Guard troops who have lived in Sisters and call it their home town are welcome to have their photo displayed.

Merrell said local master craftsman Bob Hindman volunteered his woodworking skills after hearing about the project from an MPS member. "He designed, built and finished the beautiful frame that holds the photos and bios of our troops," she said. The fabric for the background was donated by Stitchin' Post.

The board was first presented to the public on July 4, when the MPS joined Habitat for Humanity at the annual picnic at Creekside Park. The MPS staged "An Occasion of Honor" which recognizes new military recruits from Sisters and allows locals to send them off with some fanfare.

Sisters City Councilor Sharlene Weed, who is also the executive director of Sisters Habitat for Humanity, recognized the potential for the honor board as she and Merrell met to plan the July 4 event. She put Merrell in touch with City Manager Eileen Stein, who was enthusiastic about the idea of giving the board a permanent home in City Hall.

The frame is made of solid materials and is large enough to hold a dozen 8-by-10 photographs, making it a hefty load to tote. Merrell said that on the day she delivered it to City Hall, a passerby offered to help her carry it in. He stopped to admire it as they set it on the easel, and then as the finishing touches were put on the display, several city staff came out to look.

"There were some tears shed; it was a reverent moment," said Merrell.

If you have a close family member who calls Sisters home and is currently serving in the military, and you would like his or her photo displayed, contact Carla Merrell at 541-410-8125.