Fallen Soldier Memorial Dedication

On 29 August 2009  the UNI ROTC program dedicated the new Fallen Soldier Memorial located between the West Gym and the memorial to 2LT Robert Hibbs .  The memorial is dedicated to the memory of all former UNI students who have fallen in battle.  The first to be memorialized is 2LT Richard “Brian” Gienau, who was killed in action while serving in Iraq in February 2005, as well as to all fallen soldiers who have graduated from the University of Northern Iowa.  The memorial was designed and built by William Overstreet, a graduate of UNI and an active member of the Iowa National Guard.  The memorial’s design incorporates many images to symbolize a student’s transformation from student into an Officer.  Brian Gienau’s son Keenan attended the ceremony along with several members of the Gienau family.  The dedication ceremony was also attended by three Alumni of the ROTC program LTC McNamara, who was also a former Training Officer with the program, CPT Snook, and CPT Hight.  The ceremony was a somber time for friends and family to remember 2LT Gienau, and for all to honor those who have fallen and those currently serving our country.  The ceremony concluded with the playing of Taps by  current UNI student Mary Ann Hinman in honor the memory of fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.     

Cadet Battalion Commander, CDT Schulte, speaking at the dedication ceremony.

LTC McNamara speaking about his experiences as LT Gienau's former instructor.

Artist William Overstreet with the sculpture he designed.

LT Gienau's son Keenan standing by the memorial dedicated in memory of his father and all fallen graduates of UNI.

Artist conception of the memorial

Hometown Hero's

2LT Brian Gienau

Tributes