Weaver, AL — This week, a touching ceremony took place at 1021 Edgewood Drive in Weaver to honor the memory of a local mother’s late son, who served in the military and tragically lost his life to suicide.
Ms. Kristel Haynes reached out to Robert Luna from the AL2LA (Alabama to Los Angeles) organization to share her son’s story and her desire to create a peaceful space of remembrance in her yard. Moved by her request, Robert connected Haynes with Operation Creekside, a nonprofit that builds and delivers custom memorial benches to families who have lost loved ones who served in the military.
Operation Creekside, in partnership with Lowe’s, the City of Weaver, and AL2LA, worked together to create a dedicated meditative area in Haynes’ yard. The bench installation and dedication ceremony took place Wednesday, October 8, 2025, drawing local supporters, veteran groups, and community members.
Operation Creekside’s mission began when a mother in Wyoming requested a special bench for her son, Joshua Thompson, after seeing a photo online of a park bench with soldiers cut into its backrest. That request inspired the creation of the first memorial bench — and a continuing mission to comfort grieving families.
Each bench is crafted from hot rolled steel and tubing, plasma-cut, welded, and powder-coated. The finished piece, valued at approximately $2,000, is gifted to families at no charge. To date, Operation Creekside has built and delivered more than 40 benches across the country, often joined by veteran groups who participate in the presentations.
“Every delivery is special,” said Ed McClelland, representative for Operation Creekside. “Families want their loved ones remembered. Delivering these benches allows us to serve them through the love of Christ — ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’”
Robert continues to serve as the main contact and liaison for Ms. Haynes, her family, and the City of Weaver in this heartfelt effort to honor her son’s service and sacrifice.
