Benson Community Raises Money for Veterans' Memorial

Benson — A Johnston County community is honoring a fallen soldier with a cause to support all veterans.

The people of Benson held a softball tournament Saturday to raise money for something the town has never had – a veterans' memorial.
Ten teams swung the bats Saturday to honor the life of Clint Moore, who paid the ultimate price at age 27. The staff sergeant was deployed for a second time when he was killed by a bomb in the Diyala Province in April.

When Moore came back to his hometown of Benson in a hearse, his supporters lined the streets. Now, family and friends are channeling that support to raise money for the memorial.

David Woodall, a friend of Moore, said he wanted to "just show my appreciation for the troops, for Clint especially, and the price they pay over there."

The local American Legion Auxiliary pitched the idea of a memorial for three years.

“It’s been a dream, and now it’s becoming a reality, and we’re so excited,” said Wanda Moore, with the American Legion Auxiliary.

Two possible sites have been discussed - the American Legion Post and Benton Square.

American Legion officials said they envision the memorial having five granite slabs that represent each branch of service. The slabs would be arranged in a circle with a flag in the middle and a wall of honor with the names of Benson-area soldiers who died serving our country.

The memorial is expected to cost $20,000. Tournament organizers hoped to get a $3,000 start on the memorial fund Saturday.

“Clint lived by these words: Never forget. Move on, but never forget,” said Leanne Benson, his sister.