Memorial for Sgt. Andrew Maestas

As many of you know or heard through the grapevine, a young man lost his life in the waters of Lake DeSoto over the MLK holiday weekend here in the Village. That young man was U.S. Army Sgt. Andrew Maestas. Sgt. Maestas had achieved several significant milestones in his young life of 22 years. He served in the Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery until recent orders assigned him to Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Andrew, his girlfriend Olivia, along with his parents Michael and Stephanie, visited the Village to enjoy the long weekend and have fun together. No one could have anticipated the tragedy that would befall them. Andrew's friends and family as well as many in the Village want to do more than offer words of condolences therefore I have set up this GoFundMe account to help accomplish the following goals:

1) Hot Springs Villagers will be installing a memorial bench and plaque in Andrew's honor at one of the common area parks of Lake DeSoto. Plans are also in the works for Hot Springs VFW/AL Honor Guard to attend the dedication ceremony. Approximate cost $900 (includes bench, plaque, sundry expenses)

2) All other funds raised will be given to the Maestas family to be used at their discretion to cover any additional expenses they might incur associated with the unexpected loss of their son Andrew.