It all began when Heritage Park (Forest City, Iowa) wanted to build a new entrance gate that would honor veterans in its appearance. A Huey helicopter silhouette as a wind vane was developed for the main gate and is still there today.
Heritage Park then hosted “Operation LZ –Welcome Home” in 2015. Nearly 4000 Vietnam vets and families were honored and thanked for their service in Operation LZ –Welcome Home. Needless to say this event was long overdue and an overwhelming success.
Out of Operation LZ –Welcome Home Riley Lewis, a veteran who lost two friends in Vietnam and who helped organize Operation LZ, saw an opportunity to honor individual veterans with a scaled down version of the silhouette as a memorial on gravesites, yard art, or wall décor. While volunteering at a Heritage park event Riley and Michael (Navy 76) connected on this concept. Riley brings the ideas and Michael the business and fulfillment.
Work continued on the concept using a Marine veteran attorney who provided the legal expertise to form the company.
Numerous models were drafted and tested followed up with samples produced in two local fabrication plants. Local plants which include more veterans will produce and paint the silhouettes.
A portion of each sale is donated to Veteran related charities or programs.
The mission of LZ Legends is to produce a quality American made product which will “Acknowledge, Honor and Educate about” our veterans.
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Testimonials
Thank you so much!! I am so grateful, I know my dads going to love it. He was a Huey pilot in the Vietnam war and I know your product is going to be the perfect gift. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Erin
Rating
Placed onDecember 14, 2020
I was lucky enough to get one of the early LZ Legends Helicopters and gave it to my dad for father's day.
He instantly lit up at the present, and recognized the helicopter design from his days with the Army in Vietnam.
He really liked the solid design and laser cut "Army" that is cut into the helicopter.
My parents are pretty avid gardeners in their retirement, and take their hobby seriously. The LZ Legends helicopter has been given a place of prominence on display in this garden. Truly the highest endorsement they could give.
Thanks LZ Legends for making my Veteran Dad's Father's Day a truly happy one.
Kevin P
Rating
Placed onDecember 2, 2018
I purchased the LZ Legend “Marine Huey” and presented it to my cousin at our family reunion with a thank you for his service. He is suffering from Agent Orange complications. I will always remember his reaction of appreciation. The stake model for outdoors now sits beside his fireplace indoors as he wanted to see it everyday!
Craig M
Rating
Placed onDecember 2, 2018
Losing my brother to the war in Viet Nam is deeply painful on so many levels. To be reminded of the honour in which people hold him by this remembrance is very meaningful to me.
Kathy M
Rating
Placed onDecember 2, 2018
Testimonials
Rating
I purchased the LZ Legend “Marine Huey” and presented it to my cousin at our family reunion with a thank you for his service. He is suffering from Agent Orange complications. I will always remember his reaction of appreciation. The stake model for outdoors now sits beside his fireplace indoors as he wanted to see it everyday!
Losing my brother to the war in Viet Nam is deeply painful on so many levels. To be reminded of the honour in which people hold him by this remembrance is very meaningful to me.
Thank you so much!! I am so grateful, I know my dads going to love it. He was a Huey pilot in the Vietnam war and I know your product is going to be the perfect gift. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
I was lucky enough to get one of the early LZ Legends Helicopters and gave it to my dad for father's day.
He instantly lit up at the present, and recognized the helicopter design from his days with the Army in Vietnam.
He really liked the solid design and laser cut "Army" that is cut into the helicopter.
My parents are pretty avid gardeners in their retirement, and take their hobby seriously. The LZ Legends helicopter has been given a place of prominence on display in this garden. Truly the highest endorsement they could give.
Thanks LZ Legends for making my Veteran Dad's Father's Day a truly happy one.