"American patriots and heros are the focus of my sculpture," says Hunter, whose diverse background includes a degree in aeronautical engineering and careers in aerospace programs and high tech industries.

The sculpture in President George Bush's office memorializes the heroic activity of Marine Corps pilot, Lt. Colonel Harold W. Bauer. Bauer was lost in action flying the Grumman F4F Wildcat over Guadalcanal on November 14,1942.

"President Bush was particularly intrigued by the bronze piece since he wore similar equipment as a Navy pilot during World War 11."

With an eye for detail and interest in technical perfection, Hunter has called on the creativity he used as an engineer to assist him in his sculpting. "God given talent" is how he explains it.

"My engineering background has helped me devise ways to support my sculpture and a method for applying color that gives my work its distinctive patina."

He has forged ahead with his art, carefully researching the history of his subjects to insure authenticity. A narrative of pertinent historical information accompanies each bronze. The pieces are reproduced in limited editions from 12 to 40.

"Many times my original idea changes as I work with clay in preparation for the bronze castings," says Hunter, who spends approximately 5 months on each piece. I am trying to show the human side of each individual I sculpt."

After completing Injun Joe Bauer, Hunter created Launch Planes, which shows two Navy men aboard the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Enterprise, flashing the light signal to Colonel Doolittle on the U.S.S. Hornet to launch his planes for the famous raid on Tokyo, Japan, on April 18, 1942.

"The piece recalls the momentous decision of Admiral William Halsey to begin the attack despite the fact that the carriers were 200 miles from the intended launch point."

The other two completed pieces honor former governor of South Dakota Joe Foss and Babe Ruth. A Scottsdale resident, Foss was the leading Marine Corps ace in World War 11, and is a retired General, first commissioner of the American Football League, and most recently, President of the National Rifle Association. The bronze of Ruth is Hunter's first attempt at a sports figure.

Hunter began sculpting when he and his wife Sue moved to Scottsdale from Paso Robles, California. I was looking for something to do that didn't involve big business or lots of people.

One year ago Hunter became interested in the activities of the Endowment for Community Leadership, a national organization that attempts to influence inner city youth through moral leadership.

"It is a new approach to the old problems of the disintegrating family and values. Money and education have not proved to be the answer in the inner city.

"Funds are raised by the American Patriots Association which supports key workers in the inner cities of eight metropolitan areas. There will be a fund raising dinner at the Phoenician on Veterans Day, November 11, and we expect 400 community leaders to attend."

Recently Hunter and his wife Sue went to the American Patriot's dinner in Washington, D.C. that honored Joe Foss. The couple has also been guests at a small dinner at the home of Vice President Dan Quayle in the nation's capitol.

Nothing in Hunter's background suggests his current artistic bent. He attended the University of Colorado under a full Navy Scholarship and graduated with degree in aeronautical engineering and a regular commission in the U.S. Navy. A project engineer on the Titan Missile, he also worked for several companies as program manager on spacecraft and launch vehicles.

Later Hunter served as Technical Director of Manned Maneuverable Spacecraft Planning for the USAF and program manager of Tri-Service rocket involving a new form of propulsion. With a Master of Engineering degree from