Memorial Proposed In Julia Davis Park To Honor Idaho Army National Guardsmen Lost In Black Hawk Crash In Boise

Press release from the City of Boise:

March 5, 2021

The City of Boise is proposing a new memorial in Julia Davis Park to honor the lives of three Idaho Army National Guardsmen who died last month. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jesse Anderson, Chief Warrant Officer 3 George “Geoff” Laubhan, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew Peltzer tragically lost their lives in a Black Hawk crash during a routine training mission east of Boise. The new memorial will be located off the Boise River Greenbelt next to the river.

“The sudden loss of three fathers and servicemen from our community has affected many of our residents deeply,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “This is a small way that we can honor their service to our city, state and country while creating a place of peace and reflection for all to visit.”

The Julia Davis Park master plan incorporates the design of five pathway nodes, or intersections, within the park – two of which are to extend to the riverbank. While one of those sites has been constructed in the park’s west end and currently serves as a place for quiet contemplation off the Greenbelt, the other has yet to be completed.

“We think this is a timely and unique opportunity to complete an additional piece of Julia Davis Park with a special connection to not only these men, but to others who have sacrificed for our country,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway.

At Tuesday’s regularly scheduled Boise City Council meeting, council members will consider allocating $75,000 from the city’s capital fund to build the memorial. If approved, park designers will work closely with the families of the servicemen to design and construct it.You can view the Julia Davis Park master plan on the city’s website.

This press release was produced by the City of Boise. The views expressed here are the author’s own.