Welding II students at the Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center made and installed crosses for the town of Edgefield recently to honor veterans.
"The crosses the town has used for years were falling apart," Bill Cheatham, welding instructor, said. "The veterans who were recognized with the crosses made the ultimate sacrifice and deserve the best."
Cheatham's welding II students delivered and set up the crosses on May 20 in preparation for the Memorial Day ceremony on May 25. The project was the American Welding Society Chapter's community project for 2015.
"It feels good to do things for others," said welding student Jessie Greene.
Arthur Northrop, director of the Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center, said he could not be more proud. "These guys are learning what giving to others is all about."
The students spent more than 60 hours cutting, grit blasting and welding the crosses. In addition, they designed and cut in the veterans' names and the wars in which they served. The names were cut on the Welding Department's CNC plasma cutter.
"We have had great support from the community," said Cheatham.
The project's community partners are Trantech Radiator Products - President Greg Horton, Jim Fowler, Kevin Riley, Mike Holmes and Tim Malcom with Expert Collision Repair. Trantech powder coated the crosses a bright white, and Expert Collision painted the veteran's names and the war names. "When these kids see that the community supports a project like this, it makes an impact," added Cheatham.
The crosses are displayed one week before Memorial Day each year. Anyone wishing to assist the chapter by donating money to the project can call Bill Cheatham at 803-275-1767 or contact any of the welding II students.