365betÌåÓýÔÚÏßÊÀ½ç±­

Local Arizona artist Neil Logan has commissioned himself to create a life-size sculpture of Vietnam War veteran and longtime crossing guard at Marshall Elementary School William “Billy� Weldon.

With permission from Marshall Principal Janelle Reasor, the statue is set to be placed inside Marshall’s new school, which is currently under construction.

The statue will be casted with bronze, displaying a depiction of Weldon’s bust.

Logan and Weldon have known each other since childhood and lived next door to each other, making them inseparable to this day. With Logan’s love for fine art and for Weldon, the artist said it made the most sense for him to volunteer for this project.

“I think the world of the guy, he’s my buddy,� Logan said. “He’s always doing neat stuff for all the veterans, and I would like to see somebody get credit for all the good things they do while they’re still around to acknowledge it.�

For all the work that goes into completing this intricate project, Logan is aiming to fundraise an additional $5,500 to cover the cost of supplies and labor. He is sure, however, that all those who know and love Weldon will show their support for the sculpture once they know it is being created.

Once all the funding is garnered, the statue can be completed and revealed to Weldon in honor of his dedication to the veterans of Arizona and his 18 years at Marshall as a crossing guard.

According to Weldon’s daughter, Amy Wagner, her dad “wears many crowns disguised as baseball caps.�

Weldon served in the U.S. Army with two tours in Vietnam.

He is known for his time as a state and regional Purple Heart commander, being recognized in the National Hall of Honor Member and as an AZ Veterans Hall of Fame recipient.

“He spends every single day volunteering, advocating for and helping veterans and those in need,� Wagner said. “He rarely misses a veteran funeral service, offering honors to those who have passed, and he continues to help countless veterans navigate the VA.�

The VA, or Veterans Affairs, is a federal agency dedicated to providing service members with support in areas such as healthcare, housing assistance or education. Weldon provides his services as a Veterans of Foreign Wars service officer, assisting other veterans with resolving issues with their benefits with the VA.

In addition to his work supporting service members, Weldon started the Dave Crick Purple Heart Chapter for his best friend Dale Crick in remembrance of his service in Vietnam. Wagner said her father has inspired the entire Flagstaff community to participate in the city’s very own Purple Heart truck, which pays homage to all of Flagstaff’s own fallen soldiers.

“He’s inspired the entire state to become Purple Heart communities, including Marshall and other schools,� Wagner said.

On May 13, 2016, Marshall officially distinguished itself as a Purple Heart Community. A Purple Heart flag is raised daily in front of the school along with the Arizona and United State of America flags. Marshall was the first elementary school in Flagstaff to become a Purple Heart Community.

“For some people, Billy Weldon is the only Purple Heart veteran they may know,� Reasor said. “So it’s being able to teach our kids what it means to be a Purple Heart recipient, and his dedication to giving back to this community. He’s such an example of character and what we want our kids to become.�

When Weldon isn’t leading the next initiative for veterans, he’s ushering the children of Marshall as their loyal crossing guard of 18 years -- a role Billy holds with pride.

Reasor said she will never forget the first time she met Weldon. She recalled how kind and welcoming he was to her, making them an instant family. The principal said she is grateful to get to work alongside someone who is a light for many in the community.

“He’s such a special man who spends his entire life giving back to his community, to families, to veterans,� Reasor said. “He doesn’t receive, except for just that connection. He is so fulfilled and empowered by the love that is given to him because of how much he gives.�

For years, the loyal crossing guard has been the first smiling face students and parents see when they walk up to Marshall. Weldon has been at the school long enough to see students walk across the street and eventually, down the aisle of their wedding.

One of Reasor’s favorite memories from this year was Weldon approaching her to show the personalized graduation party invitations he received from a few graduating seniors visiting from Flagstaff High School to reminisce on their time there and with Weldon.

“He got so teary-eyed because it’s been 18 years and he gets to see these kids,� Reasor said. “He stays in touch with the families, and [the students] come back as seniors and remember their crossing guard. That is such a testament to the impact he has just being him.�

Marshall was able to get Weldon nominated and awarded National Crossing Guard of the Year in 2020. Part of this accomplishment came because of Weldon's deep connection with his students and understanding of the importance of safety.

Weldon doesn’t just assure everyone is greeted with a smile to start their day but that they make it to school safe and sound.

To be a part of honoring Weldon, donation inquiries can be answered by reaching this number: (928)286-7446.