2026-01-19T09:22:35-05:00 2025-03-31 351344820 DULIN WARD & DEWALD INC 9921 DUPONT CIRCLE DR W 300 FORT WAYNE IN 468251610 990 2024-04-01 351300823 WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL SHRINE OF AMERICAN HISTORY INC WARV 2606152288 PO BOX 26 ARCOLA IN 46704 GREG BEDFORD COMMANDER 2606152288 2026-01-19 true false CARRIE B MINNICH CPA P00449902 2604232414 2026-01-19 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z GREG BEDFORD PO BOX 26 ARCOLA IN 46704 313112 false X HONORINGFOREVER.ORG X 1973 IN THE ORGANIZATION IS THE CARETAKER OF A 40 ACRE MEMORIAL GROUNDS FEATURING MEMORIALS FOR ALL WARS, THE MERCI TRAIN AND THE MUSEUM. THE OBJECTIVE IS NOT ONLY TO HONOR THE DEAD AND ALL WHO HAVE SERVED, BUT ALSO TO PROVIDE INSPIRATION FOR THE LIVING TO SEARCH FOR AND WORK FOR A BETTER AMERICA. 13 12 1 125 0 478285 256064 0 5191 10641 28795 14187 512271 280892 0 0 23260 23173 0 4913 627804 241536 651064 264709 -138793 16183 432826 449009 0 432826 449009 X THREE OBJECTIVES DEFINE OUR MISSION STATEMENT DESIGNATED BY FOUNDERS ERIC AND CLEO SCOTT: TO PROVIDE A FOREVER MEMORIAL FOR ALL MILITARY VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES; TO PRESERVE ARTIFACTS OF THEIR SERVICE TO GIVE FUTURE GENERATIONS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION OF THE HISTORICAL PAST OF THE UNITED STATES; TO PROVIDE A NATIONAL SHRINE IN NORTHEASTERN INDIANA WHERE NO VETERAN WILL EVER BE FORGOTTEN. false false 256909 10531 SEVERAL PROJECTS WERE COMPLETED DURING FY2025 INDIANA'S 40-8 MERCI BOX CAR WAS REDEDICATED IN JUNE 2024. THE BOXCAR WAS MEDIA BLASTED AND REPAINTED DURING THE SUMMER OF 2022. ADDITIONAL SIGNAGE AND DISPLAYS WERE CREATED AND ARE PROMINENTLY PLACED IN THE "BOX CAR ANNEX." THE SHIELDS AND RIBBONS WERE MOUNTED TO THE BOXCAR PRIOR TO THE REDEDICATION IN JUNE 2024. THE GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMORIAL WAS DEDICATED IN JUNE 2024. THIS MEMORIAL FEATURES WOODY WILLIAM'S TRADEMARK DESIGN ON ONE SIDE AND THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE MEMORIAL HAS IMAGES SPECIFIC TO INDIANA. THE WALK PATH OF WAR HISTORY WAS ALSO DEDICATED IN JUNE 2024. THIS WALK PATH (OVER 900 FEET OF SIX-FOOT SIDEWALKS) MEANDERS THROUGH OUR GROUNDS AND PROVIDES VISITORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE THEIR TIME WHILE THEY VIEW OUR VARIOUS MEMORIALS. ACCESS TO ALL OF THE CURRENT MEMORIALS IS EASIER FOR OLDER ADULTS AND VISITORS WITH MOBILITY ISSUES WITH THIS WALK PATH. IN OCTOBER 2024, WE DEDICATED THE MOTHER GEORGE MEMORIAL. MOTHER GEORGE WAS FROM FORT WAYNE. THIS LINK PROVIDES SOME INFORMATION REGARDING MOTHER GEORGE - HTTPS://EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG/WIKI/ELIZA_GEORGE. NICK TAYLOR'S MEMORIAL BENCH WAS DEDICATED IN NOVEMBER 2024. NICK MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE WHILE SERVING OUR NATION IN AFGHANISTAN ON JULY 16, 2012. THE GRAND OPENING OF THE STERLING CHAPEL WAS IN NOVEMBER 2024. THE STERLING CHAPEL IS A WONDERFUL ADDITION TO OUR PROPERTY AND PROVIDES A SERENE PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO REFLECT AS THEY VISIT. REPAIRS TO THE PAVILION TO MAKE THE BUILDING WEATHER TIGHT WERE COMPLETED IN FY25. WE HAVE A GUEST BOOK THAT VISITORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SIGN LOCATED INSIDE THE MUSEUM GALLERY. DATA FROM THE GUESTBOOK INDICATES THE FOLLOWING NUMBER OF DOCUMENTED VISITORS (CALENDAR YEARS 2019 - 930, 2020 - 800 (YEAR OF COVID), 2021 - 3,387, 2022 - 2,596, 2023 - 3,126, 2024 - 3,729). IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT NOT ALL VISITORS SIGN THE GUEST BOOK. THE DATA ALSO DOES NOT CAPTURE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO COME TO WALK THE GROUNDS AND LOOK AT THE MEMORIALS DURING OFF-HOURS. THE GROUNDS ARE OPEN DAWN TO DUSK AND THE MUSEUM'S HOURS ARE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE HONORINGFOREVER.ORG AND OUR FACEBOOK PAGE. CURRENT MEMORIALS/MONUMENTS/MACRO ARTIFACTS LOCATED ON OUR 40-ACRE PROPERTY INCLUDE: AN 80% REPLICA OF THE VIETNAM WALL, THE ROCK OF THE MARNE DIVISION, 7TH ARMORED DIVISION, KOREAN WAR PATROL MEMORIAL, REVOLUTIONARY WAR, IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN, PURPLE HEART MEMORIAL, CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL, SULTANA MEMORIAL, MOTHER GEORGE MEMORIAL, CIVIL WAR CENOTAPH AREA, VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL, GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMORIAL, WATCHTOWER, INDIANA'S MERCI BOX CAR, TWO ARTILLERY PIECES, TWO NAVY ANCHORS, A M-247 SGT. YORK TANK, A WATER BUFFALO, AND SEVERAL BENCHES SPONSORED BY VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND FAMILIES. THE W. PAUL WOLF WAR HISTORY MUSEUM, (6,000 SQ FT) HAS OVER 3,000 MILITARY ARTIFACTS IN INVENTORY. THE DISPLAYS RANGE FROM THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR THROUGH CURRENT CONFLICTS WITH REPRESENTATION FROM ALL THE BRANCHES OF SERVICE. PEOPLE CONTINUE TO DONATE ARTIFACTS FROM FAMILY MEMBERS TO THE MUSEUM SO THAT THOSE PIECES OF HISTORY ARE NOT LOST. FUTURE PLANS: -MAY 2025 DEDICATION OF WWII MEMORIAL -MAY 2025 DEDICATION OF POW/MIA BENCH -JUNE 2025 DEDICATION OF FIRST PHASE OF COLUMBARIUM (SECOND AND THIRD PHASE ONSITE BY 2026 -AUGUST 2025 DEDICATION OF WWII ARMY RANGER MEMORIAL -AUGUST 2025 DEDICATION OF DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM MEMORIAL -AUGUST 2025 REDEDICATION OF PURPLE HEART MEMORIAL -SEPTEMBER 2025 DEDICATION OF GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM, OEF/OIF MEMORIAL -NOVEMBER 2025 DEDICATION OF WWI MEMORIAL -COMING IN 2026 DEDICATION OF WOMEN'S MILITARY MEMORIAL WE CONTINUE TO WORK WITH ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN SPONSORING ADDITIONAL MEMORIALS AND BENCHES. LEGACY BRICKS (IN HONOR OF/IN MEMORY OF SOMEONE) ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. ANY FUTURE BRICKS SOLD WILL BE PLACED ON BRICK COLUMNS LOCATED STRATEGICALLY ALONG THE WALK PATH OF HISTORY. EDUCATION - WE CONTINUE TO ACTIVELY RECRUIT GROUPS (E.G., STUDENTS, VETERANS, SENIORS, SCOUTS, BIKE/CAR GROUPS, ETC.) TO TOUR THE MUSEUM AND GROUNDS. WE DO NOT RECEIVE ANY OVERSIGHT FROM COUNTY/STATE/FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. WE OPERATE THROUGH DONATIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND BUSINESSES. WE ARE AN ALL VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION EXCEPT FOR A PART-TIME CURATOR BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 15, 2022. THIS SALARY WAS PAID THROUGH A GRANT FROM THE JAMES FOUNDATION FOR FY25. WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF THE SUPPORT GIVEN BY OUR MONETARY DONORS, OUR IN-KIND DONORS AND OUR LABOR VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE PLAYED SUCH A VITAL ROLE IN CREATING AND MAINTAINING THESE BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS, MEMORIALS AND BUILDINGS. 256909 true true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true 0 0 1 true false false false false false true true false false false false false false X 13 12 false false false false false false false true false false false false true false false false false false false false X X SHARON HUDSON 2606152288 PO BOX 26 ARCOLA IN 46704 ROBERT THOMAS MEMBER 10.00 X 18245 0 0 GREG BEDFORD COMMANDER 20.00 X X 0 0 0 PAT FRAIZER 1ST VICE COM 20.00 X X 0 0 0 ERIC JOHNSON 2ND VICE COM 20.00 X X 0 0 0 SHARON HUDSON SECRETARY/TR 20.00 X X 0 0 0 CINDI MARSH RECORDING SE 3.00 X X 0 0 0 BONNIE DAVIS VOLUNTEER CO 20.00 X X 0 0 0 GREG BANICKI MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 BOB EARL MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 RICK PORFILIO MEMBER 10.00 X 0 0 0 TIM SCHILD MEMBER 15.00 X 0 0 0 TOM SCHMITT MEMBER 15.00 X 0 0 0 JIM TURVOSKY MEMBER 3.00 X 0 0 0 18245 false false false 6450 249614 256064 10641 10641 2075 2075 2075 2075 11200 6450 9834 1366 1366 30842 22386 8456 8456 OTHER INCOME 453220 2290 2290 2290 280892 10531 14297 18245 18245 4928 4928 1500 1500 1803 683 1120 7742 7039 703 5360 2013 444 2903 260 260 106874 106874 401 401 1181 1181 PROGRAM SUPPLIES 116228 116228 OTHER EXPENSES 187 187 264709 256909 2887 4913 382156 322966 50670 126043 432826 449009 0 0 X 333742 379183 99084 69826 432826 449009 432826 449009 16183 X false false false X 287916 1388651 555634 478285 256064 2966550 287916 1388651 555634 478285 256064 2966550 2966550 635 1203 6041 12716 20595 3313 27040 25244 27945 12112 95654 3082799 67267 0.96230 0.95970 X PART II, LINE 10 SPECIAL EVENTS - NET 8,027 SALES - NET 37,118 OTHER INCOME 50,509 RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED GOLF OUTING 17650 6450 11200 1700 2534 5600 17650 6450 11200 1700 2534 5600 9834 1366 FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION THREE OBJECTIVES DEFINE OUR MISSION STATEMENT DESIGNATED BY FOUNDERS ERIC AND CLEO SCOTT: TO PROVIDE A FOREVER MEMORIAL FOR ALL MILITARY VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES; TO PRESERVE ARTIFACTS OF THEIR SERVICE TO GIVE FUTURE GENERATIONS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION OF THE HISTORICAL PAST OF THE UNITED STATES; TO PROVIDE A NATIONAL SHRINE IN NORTHEASTERN INDIANA WHERE NO VETERAN WILL EVER BE FORGOTTEN. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A SEVERAL PROJECTS WERE COMPLETED DURING FY2025 INDIANA'S 40-8 MERCI BOX CAR WAS REDEDICATED IN JUNE 2024. THE BOXCAR WAS MEDIA BLASTED AND REPAINTED DURING THE SUMMER OF 2022. ADDITIONAL SIGNAGE AND DISPLAYS WERE CREATED AND ARE PROMINENTLY PLACED IN THE "BOX CAR ANNEX." THE SHIELDS AND RIBBONS WERE MOUNTED TO THE BOXCAR PRIOR TO THE REDEDICATION IN JUNE 2024. THE GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMORIAL WAS DEDICATED IN JUNE 2024. THIS MEMORIAL FEATURES WOODY WILLIAM'S TRADEMARK DESIGN ON ONE SIDE AND THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE MEMORIAL HAS IMAGES SPECIFIC TO INDIANA. THE WALK PATH OF WAR HISTORY WAS ALSO DEDICATED IN JUNE 2024. THIS WALK PATH (OVER 900 FEET OF SIX-FOOT SIDEWALKS) MEANDERS THROUGH OUR GROUNDS AND PROVIDES VISITORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE THEIR TIME WHILE THEY VIEW OUR VARIOUS MEMORIALS. ACCESS TO ALL OF THE CURRENT MEMORIALS IS EASIER FOR OLDER ADULTS AND VISITORS WITH MOBILITY ISSUES WITH THIS WALK PATH. IN OCTOBER 2024, WE DEDICATED THE MOTHER GEORGE MEMORIAL. MOTHER GEORGE WAS FROM FORT WAYNE. THIS LINK PROVIDES SOME INFORMATION REGARDING MOTHER GEORGE - HTTPS://EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG/WIKI/ELIZA_GEORGE. NICK TAYLOR'S MEMORIAL BENCH WAS DEDICATED IN NOVEMBER 2024. NICK MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE WHILE SERVING OUR NATION IN AFGHANISTAN ON JULY 16, 2012. THE GRAND OPENING OF THE STERLING CHAPEL WAS IN NOVEMBER 2024. THE STERLING CHAPEL IS A WONDERFUL ADDITION TO OUR PROPERTY AND PROVIDES A SERENE PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO REFLECT AS THEY VISIT. REPAIRS TO THE PAVILION TO MAKE THE BUILDING WEATHER TIGHT WERE COMPLETED IN FY25. WE HAVE A GUEST BOOK THAT VISITORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SIGN LOCATED INSIDE THE MUSEUM GALLERY. DATA FROM THE GUESTBOOK INDICATES THE FOLLOWING NUMBER OF DOCUMENTED VISITORS (CALENDAR YEARS 2019 - 930, 2020 - 800 (YEAR OF COVID), 2021 - 3,387, 2022 - 2,596, 2023 - 3,126, 2024 - 3,729). IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT NOT ALL VISITORS SIGN THE GUEST BOOK. THE DATA ALSO DOES NOT CAPTURE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO COME TO WALK THE GROUNDS AND LOOK AT THE MEMORIALS DURING OFF-HOURS. THE GROUNDS ARE OPEN DAWN TO DUSK AND THE MUSEUM'S HOURS ARE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE HONORINGFOREVER.ORG AND OUR FACEBOOK PAGE. CURRENT MEMORIALS/MONUMENTS/MACRO ARTIFACTS LOCATED ON OUR 40-ACRE PROPERTY INCLUDE: AN 80% REPLICA OF THE VIETNAM WALL, THE ROCK OF THE MARNE DIVISION, 7TH ARMORED DIVISION, KOREAN WAR PATROL MEMORIAL, REVOLUTIONARY WAR, IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN, PURPLE HEART MEMORIAL, CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL, SULTANA MEMORIAL, MOTHER GEORGE MEMORIAL, CIVIL WAR CENOTAPH AREA, VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL, GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMORIAL, WATCHTOWER, INDIANA'S MERCI BOX CAR, TWO ARTILLERY PIECES, TWO NAVY ANCHORS, A M-247 SGT. YORK TANK, A WATER BUFFALO, AND SEVERAL BENCHES SPONSORED BY VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND FAMILIES. THE W. PAUL WOLF WAR HISTORY MUSEUM, (6,000 SQ FT) HAS OVER 3,000 MILITARY ARTIFACTS IN INVENTORY. THE DISPLAYS RANGE FROM THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR THROUGH CURRENT CONFLICTS WITH REPRESENTATION FROM ALL THE BRANCHES OF SERVICE. PEOPLE CONTINUE TO DONATE ARTIFACTS FROM FAMILY MEMBERS TO THE MUSEUM SO THAT THOSE PIECES OF HISTORY ARE NOT LOST. FUTURE PLANS: -MAY 2025 DEDICATION OF WWII MEMORIAL -MAY 2025 DEDICATION OF POW/MIA BENCH -JUNE 2025 DEDICATION OF FIRST PHASE OF COLUMBARIUM (SECOND AND THIRD PHASE ONSITE BY 2026 -AUGUST 2025 DEDICATION OF WWII ARMY RANGER MEMORIAL -AUGUST 2025 DEDICATION OF DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM MEMORIAL -AUGUST 2025 REDEDICATION OF PURPLE HEART MEMORIAL -SEPTEMBER 2025 DEDICATION OF GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM, OEF/OIF MEMORIAL -NOVEMBER 2025 DEDICATION OF WWI MEMORIAL -COMING IN 2026 DEDICATION OF WOMEN'S MILITARY MEMORIAL WE CONTINUE TO WORK WITH ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN SPONSORING ADDITIONAL MEMORIALS AND BENCHES. LEGACY BRICKS (IN HONOR OF/IN MEMORY OF SOMEONE) ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. ANY FUTURE BRICKS SOLD WILL BE PLACED ON BRICK COLUMNS LOCATED STRATEGICALLY ALONG THE WALK PATH OF HISTORY. EDUCATION - WE CONTINUE TO ACTIVELY RECRUIT GROUPS (E.G., STUDENTS, VETERANS, SENIORS, SCOUTS, BIKE/CAR GROUPS, ETC.) TO TOUR THE MUSEUM AND GROUNDS. WE DO NOT RECEIVE ANY OVERSIGHT FROM COUNTY/STATE/FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. WE OPERATE THROUGH DONATIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND BUSINESSES. WE ARE AN ALL VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION EXCEPT FOR A PART-TIME CURATOR BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 15, 2022. THIS SALARY WAS PAID THROUGH A GRANT FROM THE JAMES FOUNDATION FOR FY25. WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF THE SUPPORT GIVEN BY OUR MONETARY DONORS, OUR IN-KIND DONORS AND OUR LABOR VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE PLAYED SUCH A VITAL ROLE IN CREATING AND MAINTAINING THESE BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS, MEMORIALS AND BUILDINGS. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTE REVIEWS A COPY OF FORM 990 PRIOR TO FILING. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 18 THE ORGANIZATION'S PRIOR YEAR FORM 990S ARE AVAIALBLE AT GUIDESTAR.ORG AND IRS.GOV. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 GOVERNING DOCUMENTS ARE MADE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.