A south-central Kansas man has found an unusual way to help veterans and honor fallen soldiers.

Philip Crabtree, of Clearwater, carved an intricately detailed fallen soldier sculpture out of red cedar. He takes the 4-foot sculpture enclosed in a glass case to funerals for military veterans, where he collects donations help retired veterans trying to make ends meet.

Crabtree, a Kansas National Guardsman, says he used to lead the Guard’s honor team, attending more than 450 funerals in three years. He told The Wichita Eagle that duty led him to find a way to help veterans. Many veterans are reluctant to admit they need help, and Crabtree says his efforts are aimed at those who need just a little help to pay a utility bill or buy some groceries.