Man turns problem tree into powerful symbol to honor children’s military service

Jeff Withrow has lived in the same house on Center Road, near Grove Road, in New Franklin, for decades.

“It’s such a wonderful community, and I never want to leave,” Withrow said.

When a 60-foot maple tree in his front yard threatened his house, it had to be cut down. That happened in 2018, but Withrow didn’t want it completely removed.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3AWmJ8_0wiQT0GF00 Damon Maloney
The creases on the monument’s fingers are fashioned after those on Withrow’s hand.

“I left it at a certain height, because I knew what I wanted to do after they both got out of the service.”

Withrow’s two children, Michelle and Shane, enlisted in the U.S. Military after graduating from Norton High School.

“She decides she’s joining the Navy, and it shocked me. I didn’t realize that’s what she wanted to do,” Withrow said. “Three years later my son decided to join the Air Force. And I can’t be more proud of them two.”

Withrow said he often worried about their safety.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3PiRvr_0wiQT0GF00 Withrow Family
Withrow’s daughter, Michelle, and son, Shane, enlisted in the U.S Military after graduating from high school.

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