FORT BENNING, Ga., (June 4, 2014) -- For years, the site of the former Fort Benning Catholic Chapel on Main Post remained empty after an electrical fire destroyed the building in January of 2002.

That was until 15-year-old Kevin Yanoschik decided to use his Eagle Scout project to turn the area into a historical landmark.

Located next to The Infantry Center Chapel on Sigerfoos Road, the site now includes benches and markers with the history of chapels on Fort Benning and the Army Chaplain Corps and chaplain assistants. Fort Benning's St. Maurice Parish also contributed to the site by creating a marker for the chapel.

"When I was coming up with an Eagle project, I talked with my parents one night about the idea of building a memorial and it actually stuck out to me," said Kevin, who is a member of Fort Benning's Troop 27. "I know Scouting has had a long history and many wonderful people in it, so I thought how I could contribute to the long lasting life of Scouting."

Built in 1941, the chapel served as the original home of St. Maurice Parish, masses, baptisms, weddings and funerals for Catholic service members and their Families.

Kevin said he was baptized in the chapel and his parents, retired Lt. Col. Thomas and Javana Yanoschik, were married there July 4, 1992.

"It was heartbreaking because we planned to attend this chapel after retiring here," Javana Yanoschik said. "After it burned, you drove by and just saw an empty field." When Kevin began looking for ideas for a project, it seemed like the perfect idea because our Family and so many people in the community have a strong connection to this church."

After the project was approved by his Eagle Scout board, Kevin began research on the chapel history and verified information online and with Fort Benning historians. He said he learned that using granite markers instead of wood would preserve the markers, but required fundraising.

Kevin said he received support from the local Knights of Columbus and Ladies' Auxillary and an outpouring of donations from members of the community to raise money.

"People started mailing him checks to the troop for the Scout project with notes about what this church meant to them personally," Javana Yanoschik said. "They were happy that this was happening and he was able to raise more than $2,600."

A dedication ceremony for the site will be at 2 p.m. June 8, followed by his Eagle Scout Court of Honor induction ceremony at The Infantry Center Chapel at 2:30 p.m. The memorial has also been included as a historic trail site.

A rising sophomore at Columbus High School, Kevin said he has been involved in Scouting since the first grade and plans to continue serving with his troop and mentoring younger Scouts.

"I feel very accomplished and thankful because I couldn't have done this without everyone who was there for me," he said. "I think this has been a group effort and it means the world to me that so many people in the community have helped me along the way."