A new effort to honor female veterans — past, present, and future — with a life-size bronze monument is gaining momentum in Owensboro, with organizers now seeking public support to bring the project to life along the downtown riverfront.
Melody Wallace, co-founder of She’s the Vet, recently outlined plans for a monument that would recognize female veterans while highlighting Owensboro’s own place in that history.
Wallace said the idea began with two local women from World War II: Mary Josephine Oberst, who served as a nurse and was later held as a prisoner of war, and Vivian Hayden-Lawton, a member of the historic all-Black 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
“Those are two that we know of, and we feel they should be recognized and honored downtown,” Wallace said.
From there, the concept expanded.
“If we’re going to do it, we do it well,” she said.
The Owensboro Daviess County Veterans Association (ODCVA) is the lead entity on the project, with support from She’s the Vet. Wallace said the organization partnered with sculptor George Lundeen — known locally for creating the Nicky Hayden statue and other public works — to design a monument that represents multiple generations of service.
The proposed sculpture includes three figures: a World War II-era Nurse Corps veteran saluting, a modern-day service member kneeling, and a young girl symbolizing the future.
The monument is planned for the riverfront, near the Shelton Memorial, with the figures facing outward toward the public. An inscription on the reverse side would thank women for their service and recognize all military branches. Wallace said ODCVA has already worked with city officials to identify and secure the location.
While the vision is clear, the cost has grown significantly as plans have developed.
Early discussions suggested the project might be completed for around $150,000, but Wallace said the finalized contract for the bronze statue alone is $270,000. The total fundraising goal is now approximately $350,000, which would also cover installation, site work, and surrounding improvements.
“We recognize that’s a lot of money,” Wallace said.
The group has raised just over $30,000 so far through community efforts, including outreach to veteran service organizations and local fundraising events.
To move forward, Wallace said the group is seeking support from both city and county leaders, with the hope that each would contribute financially.
“Our wish, our hope, is that the Fiscal Court and the City Commission will work together,” she said. “The dream is that they will match one another so we can get this monument started.”
Individuals or organizations interested in donating to the project, they can contact ODCVA at
If funding comes together, organizers are targeting June 12, 2027 — Women Veterans Day — for the monument’s completion and dedication. Wallace said the goal is to create not just a local landmark, but a destination event that could draw female veterans from across the country.
“We think that would be a powerful presence,” she said.
Anyone interested in donating can make checks payable to ODCVA, located at 117 18th St. #147. Donations can also be made at Independence Bank.
