RIVER FALLS – A group of determined kids have big plans to restore an abandoned and long-neglected cemetery outside of River Falls, thanks to the leadership of a retired Army veteran.

After River Falls American Legion Post 121 member Mel Hoffman retired from the Army, he felt lost in purpose. He moved here from Maryland to be close to his oldest son, who lives in Hudson.

He didn’t let that feeling last long. He became involved with the GORUCK division of the Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run out of Minneapolis.

“Their purpose is to empower veterans to develop and share character traits with the community, especially the youth,” Hoffman said.

The programs enable veterans to thrive in their post-military lives by providing a renewed sense of purpose, connecting them with their communities and leveraging their strengths and passions to make an impact, according to the foundation’s website.

When Hoffman learned of River Falls School District’s dedication to character education, he was pleased. He approached Meyer Middle School Principal Wes Chapin about starting a group called the Pathfinders. The group is a leadership/character development program with a bit of military flair. The first year, he held five sessions; it was a hit.

“Kids came in and wanted to be there because they were giving up their sleep-in time,” Hoffman said. “It’s not a recruiting effort at all. It gives them a bit of flavor for the military.”

Hoffman expanded the group, with Principal Kit Luedtke’s blessing, to River Falls High School the second year. Currently 12 students participate in Pathfinders, including one from St. Bridget’s. Hoffman is in the process of having the group designated a Travis Manion Foundation Club, which will give them more opportunities for tracking service hours and building resumes of community service.

The Pathfinders get together about eight hours a month. This year, they’ve participated in a 400-meter walk/run/ruck/crawl, combined with performing 29 squats, seven times. The symbolism is the date that Lt. Manion, who was in the Marine Corps, was killed in Iraq: April 29, 2007.

“It’s about honoring the fallen,” Hoffman said. “It’s not a competition.”

The group also participates in Martin Luther King Jr. Day observances, takes part in field training, leadership and character development exercises; helps the Legion with the flags on Memorial Day and takes part in the 911 Heroes Run. 

“Kids who are involved in something are less likely to find trouble,” Hoffman said.

As for the cemetery project, a Legion member brought Old Mann Valley Cemetery to his attention last fall. The Legion had previously recognized that it was there and wanted to take care of it, but for some reason, it never happened.

“It’s a cemetery in name only,” Hoffman said. “It’s totally overgrown in the middle of nowhere near Carlson Lane. If you didn’t know it was back there, you’d never know.”

The stones are all broken; according to Troy township records, at least 21 people are interred there. It was the family cemetery for John and Eunice Mann, a pioneering family who came to River Falls in 1853. It’s located behind a small field off County Road MM on a small oak knoll on about 1 acre.

The Pathfinders are working to identify all who are buried there. The last time someone was interred in the small plot of ground was 1879. A Civil War veteran is buried there; the graves are covered by brush and downed trees.

“The Pathfinders are chomping at the bit,” Hoffman said. “They really want to get out there and do their part.”

Currently a tractor trail leads to the site. The group hopes to not only clean up the cemetery, but restore it, build a fence, and maintain it. The property owners have given their blessing.

“Our goal is to have it in a decent enough shape, that we could do a very small ceremony,” Hoffman said.

Pathfinders members include freshmen Elizabeth Baillargeon, Johanna Barbey, Eli Klumb and Kira Sonnee; eighth graders Sylvia Bonderson, Jonah Hirstein, Jacob Hutchins, Cecilia Kinney, Alexander McKeown, Augie Maude, Finn Olson, Dylan Slaght and Xavior Zuber.

“They’ve planned it all out, put teams and lists together,” Hoffman said. “I’m pretty impressed with these eight- and ninth-graders who have a pretty good handle on those kinds of things. I want them to feel the hard work and the ownership.”

For more information on the students’ findings or to provide insight into the cemetery, contact Hoffman at sgmmhoffman@gmail.com