Fort Custer Memorial Path
Honoring America's veterans at Fort Custer National Cemetery
Within Fort Custer National Cemetery , there is a pathway lined with memorials that honor America's veterans, donated by various organizations. Below, discover the memorial path nestled within the beautiful cemetery, as well as information about Fort Custer and the Calhoun County Veterans Affairs Office.
Fort Custer is a national cemetery located between Detroit and Chicago. It was established by Congress in 1981, and the first burial took place on June 1, 1982.
Photos of each monument hang in the Calhoun County Veterans Affairs Office, showcasing the memorial path at Fort Custer National Cemetery. This display honors Jay Wilkerson, an employee of Silver Star Veterans Housing who died in 2018.
“We chose to highlight the Memorial Path at Fort Custer not only because the memorials pay homage to all those who have served our country, but the path also provides a peaceful space for the community to poignantly consider sacrifices that have been made by service members,” Aaron Edlefson, Calhoun County Veterans Affairs Director
Jay Wilkerson at Silver Star
In honor of Jay Wilkerson
Jay Wilkerson served in the airforce from 1987 to 1991, taking part in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He supported the troops as a logistics specialist stationed in Holloman AFB, New Mexico. In 2015, Jay was a Support Services Coordinator for Zero Day at Silver Star and worked with homeless Veterans. He managed activities at Silver Star, led a Bible study group, and was in charge of Bingo. He died Oct. 26, 2018.
“Mr. Wilkerson proudly served both his country and his community. His dedication to serving others is something his family and friends should be proud of, and it is that dedication that we are honoring by memorializing him with this display,” Aaron Edlefson, Calhoun County Veterans Affairs Director
Calhoun County Veterans Affairs Staff
Calhoun County Veterans Affairs helps veterans and their families with federal benefits and programs, emergency assistance benefits, county burial benefits, and competent advocacy by office staff. The County VA Office includes Director Aaron Edlefson and Service Officers Kristina Higgins and Luann Cape. It is located in downtown Battle Creek in the Toeller Building and is open Monday-Friday. For information, call 269-969-6735 or visit the Toeller Building at 190 E. Michigan Ave, Third Floor, Battle Creek.
"We hope that our office expresses the respect and admiration that we have for those who have made a solemn oath to our country. We are continually searching for new ways to honor both our veterans and their families; our new Memorial Path display hopefully serves that purpose," Calhoun County Veterans Affairs Staff
NCA Historic Monuments Inventory
For a list of all currently documented national cemetery memorials, please visit:
