20 Years Remembered - Honoring the Life & Legacy of Grant Dampier

Name: 20 Years Remembered - Honoring the Life & Legacy of Grant Dampier
Start: 2026-06-19T17:00:00-05:00
Location: Kitchenette Park

Schedule

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026 at 05:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Kitchenette Park | Merrill, WI

Twenty years ago, on May 15, 2006, Grant Dampier was killed while serving in Iraq. This year, as we approach both the anniversary of his death and his birthday on July 8, I wanted to create a space for the community to come together to remember him — not only for his service and sacrifice, but for the person he was to so many of us.
Grant was born on July 8, 1980, and graduated from Merrill High School, where he was a wrestler. He joined the military in September 2004 in hopes of creating a better life for his daughters — Alexis, Starr, and Kylee — whom he loved deeply and was incredibly proud to call his girls.
Anyone who knew Grant knew he was kind, caring, funny, outgoing, and always willing to help others. He was also one of the most stubborn and strong-willed people I’ve ever known. Once he set his mind to something, he didn’t quit.
Although I moved away from Merrill with our children in 2008 and have mostly stayed on the sidelines over the years, I realized how meaningful it would be to bring Grant’s memory back into the community in a way that feels filled with connection, stories, laughter, and remembrance.
This gathering is meant to be relaxed and welcoming — a chance to reconnect, share memories, look through photos, laugh about old stories, and celebrate the life of someone who was taken far too soon.
I would also like to begin working toward something that has been on my heart for many years: creating a memorial scholarship in Grant’s honor at Merrill High School. As a young widow and mom of three daughters, the idea always felt overwhelming and I never quite knew where to begin. My hope is that this scholarship will continue Grant’s legacy by supporting future students from the community he grew up in and loved.
A light meal and refreshments will be provided. Whether you stop by for 15 minutes or stay for several hours, we would love to have you join us as we remember and celebrate Grant together.
Whether you knew Grant personally, served with him, went to school with him, or simply want to honor his memory, all are welcome.
If you have photos or memories of Grant you would like to share, we would love for you to bring them or post them in the event discussion.
📍 Location: Kitchenette Park
📅 Date: June 19, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:00-?
Twenty years later, he is still loved, still missed, and still worth remembering