Tom Miller began this project in 1964 while serving in the 2nd Battalion/7th Marines, where he met his partner from Kansas City, Jack Swender. In May 1965 they shipped overseas to Qui Nhon, Vietnam. The battalion's headquarters, west of that city, was a French artillery base during the early 1950s.
The final day came as many came in Vietnam: gray, overcast, heavy-aired, with drizzle, but very quiet. While moving through Ky Phu, a small market hamlet, the 80th Battalion of hard-core Vietcong hit. They were cut into two groups with Jack and Tom being at the end of the first group moving through town.
They didn’t have to communicate that they had to hold the town from being overrun by the Vietcong, who were trying to move a .50 caliber machine-gun into the middle of it. For 20-25 minutes they held before a recoilless rifle shell blew apart the wall behind them. It’s believed this action saved many Marines lives that day, although it did cost Jack his.
In late 1983, Tom picked up the drive to produce a memorial as the mood in America had changed. He had come in contact with a group of Vietnam veterans, and through them this project would be developed.
The Highground has evolved to be a memorial park that pays tribute to the dead and honors the survivors, their service and their sacrifices. It also pays tribute to the people who supported them when they were away and upon their return.
The Highground Veterans Memorial Park’s main emphasis is to “Pay Tribute to the Dead and to Honor, Educate and Heal our Veterans, families and all who visit.” They continue to pursue our mission of healing and education through added tours, education days, retreats and more. The Highground, once a field with a beautiful view, has grown into a wonderful park that encompasses a 50-mile view and adds to the spirit of “the high ground.”
The park is located 3 miles west of Neillsville in central Wisconsin. It’s free to the public and open 24/7/365. It has become the nation’s leading, and largest, manned veterans park and can be seen at www.thehighground.us, but is better seen in person. It hosts numerous events throughout the year. These include veterans retreats, veterans programs that deal with military sexual trauma (MST) or PTS/PTSD management for veterans, couples and families. Also a helicopter and military vehicle expo, veterans reunions, motorcycle rallies and an annual bike tour.