Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

306 South University Avenue Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858 United States

(989) 773-7322

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County, now and for generations to come, by attracting and holding permanent endowed funds from a wide range of donors, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

One Man’s Mission: Doug Pickel Honors POW/MIA Heroes Through Food, Fundraising, and Tribute

July 28, 2025  /  Jennifer Fiegel

In late 2024, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation announced an inspiring new effort to honor Michigan’s prisoners of war and those missing in action. A permanent memorial, planned for construction in Mt. Pleasant’s Island Park, will pay tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of these brave service members and their families.

At the heart of this project is Doug Pickel, a dedicated memorial fund trustee whose father was a Navy veteran of World War II and whose personal connection to military service fuels his mission. “This is a gift to Michigan POW/MIA families from the people of Michigan,” Pickel shared. “Veterans and their families have made unimaginable sacrifices that deserve to be recognized and remembered.”

In his ongoing commitment to this cause, Pickel has created a fun, meaningful way to raise funds and awareness: the inaugural Food Truck Challenge, taking place September 19 and 20 in Island Park. Nearly 20 food trucks from across the state will gather to compete for a custom-built trophy and statewide bragging rights, all while supporting the Michigan POW/MIA Memorial Statewide Fund held at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation.

The timing of the event is especially significant, as September 19 marks National POW/MIA Recognition Day - a day set aside to honor the service and sacrifice of these American heroes.

Food trucks can enter the competition for a $25 registration fee and a donation of 10% of net profits to the fund. The truck with the highest sales will be crowned the winner and receive a one-of-a-kind trophy handcrafted by Pickel himself - a stunning piece of craftsmanship that took over two months to build, measuring 31 inches wide, 29 inches tall, and weighing 43 pounds.

Beyond great food, the weekend will feature solemn and moving tributes to POW/MIA veterans and families of the Korean and Vietnam wars. A Harley-Davidson motorcycle procession will ride from Wholeshot Harley-Davidson to Island Park, where families of the honored veterans will receive customized plaques - each one hand-made by Pickel with deep personal care.

For over 20 years, Pickel has poured his heart into recognizing and honoring veterans. His work, whether through intimate gestures like custom memorials or large-scale events like this new challenge, is guided by a deep sense of gratitude and duty.

“I didn’t serve in the military like these heroes did,” he reflected. “But it’s become my life’s mission to serve them. This event is a way to celebrate their courage, give back to their families, and build something lasting in their honor.”

Pickel has even bigger plans for the future. In 2026, he hopes to expand the Food Truck Challenge to five Michigan cities, culminating in a statewide championship back in Mt. Pleasant. The top 10 food trucks from the regional events will return to Island Park for the final showdown and a powerful close to the season’s memorial fundraising efforts.

The community is warmly invited to attend the Food Truck Challenge on September 19–20. Come hungry, bring your gratitude, and be part of a movement that’s turning delicious food into a powerful force for remembrance and healing.

Follow the POW/MIA Memorial Facebook group and Plaques of Honor - Murphy’s Legacy for more details.