Medford, Ore. — A marble statue recognizing a Medford veteran who died for his country was unveiled for Veteran’s day in front of Rogue Credit Union this morning.
Newell Barber, a Second Lieutenant with the 108th Aero Squadron, served as a pilot in World War One.
Ninety-three days before the war would end, Barber died when his plane was shot down over France.
Barber had a love for flying. In a letter to his parents he wrote, ‘I want to tell you, there is nothing on God’s green earth that can beat flying.’
Jackson county’s first airfield was named after him, two years after his death.
For Jean Pelham, the CEO and President of Rogue Credit Union, the statue in front of his company means more to him than most saying, “I wanted to be in the Air Force Academy when I was growing up and so I’ve always had this for affiliation flight and aviation and so to know now that the organization that I am fortunate to lead is playing a role in recognizing Medford’s place in history, what could be better?”
The statue stands about 5 feet tall and weighs 6,000 pounds.
A couple hundred of people along with veterans welcomed the new memorial.
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