In the aftermath of the Fort Hood tragedy, Tipton Public Schools vowed to remember J.D. Hunt, a 2005 graduate who lost his life during the rampage, while preparing for another deployment to the Middle East.

Family, friends and alumni have joined forces to build a memorial on the Tipton High School campus, honoring J.D., along with all TPS graduates who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The memorial concept was donated by Michael Hall, a 1984 graduate of Tipton High School and Principal of GH2 Architects in Tulsa.

J.D.’s family will be at the groundbreaking ceremony in conjunction with the J.D. Hunt Birthday/Memorial Celebration on Saturday, August 21. This will be on what would have been J.D.’s 23rd birthday. A parade and procession will be held in downtown Tipton at 5 p.m, with a ceremony at the Tipton High School football field at 6:30 p.m.

A balloon release will be held as part of the ceremony.

The goal of organizers is to unveil the memorial during the school’s annual Veteran’s Day Program in November.

Donations can be made to:

J.D. Hunt Memorial Fund

c/o Tipton Public Schools

PO Box 340

Tipton, OK 73570