Idaho Women Veterans Memorial
honoring the camaraderie among those who served
The memorial will be a statue to honor a local hero who was the first Idaho woman to give her life in combat. Carrie French of Caldwell was the embodiment of camaraderie in the Idaho 116th Brigade Combat Team. Some of those closest to Carrie described her as fiercely loyal. This Caldwell resident was known for caring deeply and giving her all.
It is time we as a community honor her memory by capturing that legacy of dedication and friendship to remind generations of her love and sacrifice.
Everyone who visits the statue will experience that feeling of fellowship along with Carrie's unique and distinct ability to lift any wary spirit.
Artist Conceptual Rendering of Statue
Current Progress
We have completed the launch, site layout and the photo shoot with our amazing volunteer models. With the help of Carrie's mom, the statue is on the right track. Now we wait for the artist rendering of the memorial which will be coming soon!
While the statue will honor our local hero, in doing so it is to convey the camaraderie that is experienced between those serving in our military which is so unique, cherished and yet often times, overlooked.
It will also tell a story. The statue was inspired by a story of marbles and a friendship between two young women soldiers heading to Iraq. However, in sharing the story, so many have come forward ready to share their own, creating an energy and movement in the community from men and women alike that we hope to encourage as we continue. Please follow the memorials progress on facebook and meet some of these amazing women and as move we forward.
In 2022 we had our first big fundraiser at the Garden and raised over $12,000! As the year came to a close we were excited to raise the total down payment and move forward with the building of the statue!
Hitting our halfway mark in 2023, we had two amazing donors come forward with a summer challenge matching funds raised! That means if you donate $50 between June 17th and August 31, $150 total will go to the memorial. Help us make the most of this amazing opportunity and thank you to our contributors who have kept this project going!
About our Artist
Benjamin Victor is a world renowned artist that we are so thankful to have located in Idaho. While working on the statue for the Idaho Veterans Cemetery, it became clear Benjamin had a deep appreciate for every piece he creates. The story of Carrie's friendship resonated with him, and he has since been working with those close to Carrie to tell her story for years to come.
Carrie Lee French
February 28, 1986 - June 5, 2005
Carrie French was a Caldwell, Idaho local. After attending bootcamp between her junior and senior year, she graduated from Caldwell High School in 2004 and went straight from being a varsity cheerleader to Army soldier heading to Iraq. Her positive nature, fierce loyalty and unique ability to comfort those around her made her the embodiment of camaraderie and love.
On June 5th, 2005, Carrie was killed by a road side bomb outside of Kirkuk, Iraq while volunteering for a supply mission convoy. She was the first Idaho woman to be killed at war. Her sacrifice and ability to touch and inspire lives to this day will never be forgotten
Become a part of Idaho history
Legacy Support
$50,000 +
A bronze plaque will be placed with the memorial to be seen by future generations in appreciation for your contribution as well as sponsorship banners and logos at fundraising events.
Patriot Support
$10,000 - $49,999
A brick on the walkway of the memorial will be engraved with your choosing (approved by the garden board) in appreciation for your contribution as well as sponsorship banners and logos
Flag Waver Support
$1,000 - $9,999
Recognition on social media in appreciation for your support and logo recognition at the fundraiser
Friend of the Garden
$10 -$999
A giant thank you from the team at both the Garden and the Memorial for no amount is too small! Keep in touch for promotional items that could come your way!