Hello everyone, my name is Dr. Carl Whetsel. On behalf of the Lee County Veterans Museum and South Carolina Cotton Museum, we are raising money for the Major James Capers Legacy Project. This project will fund a life-size bronze sculpture of Major Capers and the associated display costs. The sculpture will be displayed in the Veterans Park in downtown Bishopville, South Carolina, which is the Major's hometown.

President Donald J. Trump awarded Major James Capers Jr., United States Marine Corps (Retired), the Medal of Honor on June 18, 2026. Major Capers was originally awarded the Silver Star for his actions during a four-day reconnaissance patrol near Phu Loc, in Vietnam. He commanded a Force Recon Team which, on three separate occasions, made contact with numerically superior enemy forces. Major Capers tenaciously continued the mission; on the fourth day, his team was ambushed by a dense barrage of enemy fire and claymore mines, where he received multiple severe wounds. Despite his injuries and severe blood loss, Major Capers continued to lead his team, coordinate supporting fire, and direct their movement to an extraction site. He ensured his entire team was extracted before finally boarding the helicopter.

Major Capers stated that receiving the Medal of Honor was "profound and humbling, but this medal does not belong to me, it belongs to the exceptional men who fought with me, whose absolute trust, preparation, and shared sacrifice made survival possible in the darkest of circumstances."

You can read much more about Major James Capers Jr. and Team Broadminded by doing a quick Google search on this amazing man. His life and legacy will stand forever as a testament to a man who rose from humble beginnings to achieve greatness through courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty.

The sculpture has already been commissioned by renowned sculptress Maria Kirby-Smith of Camden, South Carolina.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this project forward.

If you can’t donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is also incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.