HUTCHINSON – An fundraiser set for May 9 in Hutchinson will help pay for memorial highway signs in Haven that honor a local soldier who was killed in action in Vietnam.

On Jan. 8, House Bill HB-2481 was introduced that would designated K-96 at Haven the PFC Henry Lee Fisher Memorial Highway. The bill quickly passed both the Kansas House and Senate with unanimous support and on April 18 it was signed into law by Governor Laura Kelly. 

The family is responsible for the over $12,000 cost of the two memorial signs. 

A big fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, May 9, from 7-10 p.m. at Baker Ballroom, 17 East 2nd St.  in Hutchinson. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to pay for these memorial highway signs. 

This event will feature live music from local singer/songwriter Morgan Wilk, a catered taco bar, a cash bar, and a huge silent auction. A special guest will perform the “Star-Spangled Banner”. 

Some of the silent auction items include: Ride in a Cessna UC-78 WWII-era plane, several Mother’s Day gift baskets, Midway Motors gift basket that includes an oil change and full car detail, Abilene Smoky Valley Train Ride for four, three-piece outdoor patio furniture set from Bold Corporate, and weekend golf outing at Firekeeper Course in Topeka.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at: vieyrahonorsfoundation.org/events or by calling Marla at: 620-960-8215. 

Henry Lee Fisher grew up in Haven and graduated Haven High School in 1965. Right after graduation he joined the Army with two buddies but was actually denied due to a hernia that was discovered during his physical. 

He could have likely walked away at that point and avoided Vietnam but he had a strong and burning desire to serve his country just like his father did during World War II. 

Henry came home, had surgery to repair the hernia, and went back. He was assigned to the 16th Infantry - 1st Infantry Division and sent to the frontlines of Vietnam. 

Sadly, PFC Henry Lee Fisher would never return home as he was KIA in 1967.