We recently connected with Randy Musser and have shared our conversation below.

Randy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

After 9-11 millions of people responded to the terrorist attacks by enlisting in the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition millions of active duty and reserve military personnel went on alert and eventually served in what became know as the Global War on Terrorism. These men and women and their families put everything at risk, even their lives, to protect me and the hundreds of millions of their fellow citizens from the violent extremists who carried out the 9-11 attacks. As of today over 7000 have died in the line of duty, tens of thousands have been severely injured and over 30,000 have taken their own lives after experiencing the horrors of war. My son-in-law was part of the 10th Mountain Division on 9-11. He served 2 tours of duty in Afghanistan. His PTSD injuries caused the end of their marriage and left to young children without a father. Unfortunately this outcome is not unique among military families.
In 2016 after acquiring a parcel of land along US Route 30 near the entrance to the Flight 93 National Memorial for development I was researching development ideas. One day I picked up a book at Walmart entitled ” America’s Heroes, Stories From Today’s Armed Forces. As soon as I read those stories I knew what needed to be done with the land I had acquired. I needed to dedicate it to honoring the patriots who have fought in America’s longest running war. That was the beginning of Patriot Park.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a retired civil engineer and former owner of a civil and environmental engineering consulting firm. I currently serve as President of Patriot Park Foundation, an all volunteer organization committed to the construction of Patriot Park. I have spent my career in the land development business working on projects such as campgrounds, recreational parks, golf courses and numerous other land development projects. I always strived to improve the land and let it better than I found it. It is easy to say you would like to build a park to honor the veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, it is a whole lot more difficult to make it happen. I have helped to build lots of projects in my career but with Patriot Park the task seemed almost impossible. As I discussed the idea with veterans and other stakeholders it soon became clear the project had lots of support and was well received by all. It also became clear a project of this magnitude was not something I could do alone. Patriot Park Foundation was formed and thus began the process. By last year (2021)we had developed a concept but were having trouble moving past that point. We decided that we need to begin the project so people could see what was proposed. We kicked off a fund drive in May and broke ground in July. Phase 1 of the Park opened in September 2021. 2022 has been our first full year of operation. Based on the reception and comments of visitors the Board is more committed than ever that this is the place and now is the time to build this project. Our Armed Forces have given so much we need a place where our nation can express its gratitude for those sacrifices. Patriot Park is that place located inside the legislative boundary of the Flight 93 N.M. beneath the skies where the first battle in the GWOT was fought by the passengers and crew of Flight 93.
All of the work that has been accomplished so far is the result of a terrific Board of directors, dedicated volunteers, and generous donors. I am so thankful for all the help the project has received to date and proud of all that has been accomplished together.
For more information on Patriot Park please visit our website at patriotparkfoundation.org.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about this project is when veterans and family members of the fallen express their gratitude for Patriot Park. At that point I know that all the hard work and all the work that is yet to come is worth it!! Every time I feel overwhelmed I think of all that was sacrificed on my behalf by our veterans and their families. I also have been humbled by the fact that every time things look bleak something miraculous happens that solves the problem and advances the project.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Patriot Park Foundation has been blessed with great volunteers but what has inspired and surprised me the most is the help we have received from local high school students. Most of our Board are retired or nearing retirement and the energy the youth that have helped brought to the project has been a godsend. Recently the Shanksville H.S. Student Council held a benefit volleyball tournament, as they do every year. This year they donated the proceeds of the tournament to Patriot Park. Some of our Board members with education backgrounds have urged engaging local students but I was not as open to the idea as I should have been. I will never hesitate again to involve youth in the Patriot Park project.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://patriotparkfoundation.org/
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Instagram: @patriotpark_foundation
• Facebook: @patriotparkfoundation

Image Credits
The one image by its self is from Hans Good. The professional photos have the credit on the photo. I am searching for the credit on the photo with the soldier in uniform standing at a storyboard.