Bill Text: WV HCR21 | 2021 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: SP4 Dennis Harvey Roberts Bridge, McDowell County
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-2)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2021-04-01 - To Transportation and Infrastructure [HCR21 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2021-HCR21-Introduced.html
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 21
(By Delegates Evans, Pethtel, Thompson, Bates, Griffith, Young, Barach, Hansen, Dean, Paynter, and Walker)
[Introduced March 2, 2021]
Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 24-005/02-004.51 (24A031), (37.41379, -81.78366), locally known as Avondale Bridge, carrying CR 5/2 over Dry Fork in McDowell County, the “U. S. Army SP4 Dennis Harvey Roberts Memorial Bridge”.
Whereas, U.S. Army Specialist Dennis Harvey Roberts was born on April 12, 1949, in McDowell County; and
Whereas, Specialist Roberts was a resident of Avondale, West Virginia for nearly 40 years. He was a well-respected member of the Avondale Community. He raised a family there, in the community he loved so much. “Ritter Hollow” as the locals call it, is home to Avondale. Specialist Roberts lived “up the hollow” for nearly 50 years. As a young man, he became a member of the United States Army. He was deployed to Vietnam, where he would spend 11 months and 15 days in the defense of our country. Specialist Roberts’ last duty assignment was Troop A 2™ Squadron 1* Cavalry, 24 Armed Division, Fort Hood, Fourth Army. Specialist Roberts was a combat infantry man and was specially trained in auto mechanics, track, and vehicle mechanics; and
Whereas, Specialist Roberts was a highly decorated soldier, having been awarded the following commendations by the Army: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Marksman with Rifle bar, and Combat Infantry Badge; and
Whereas, Specialist Roberts was honorably discharged from the Army on April 1, 1975. He suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a challenge he worked to overcome each day of his life. He also suffered a hearing loss in both ears, as result of his battlefield service. Specialist Roberts lost his struggle with PTSD and his life on June 18, 2016. Specialist Roberts demonstrated many hours of community service to not only Avondale, but to McDowell County. He has given countless hours of support to community activities such as local school groups and activities; and
Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate U.S. Army Specialist Dennis Harvey Roberts and his contributions to our country and state; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 24-005/02-004.51 (24A031), (37.41379, -81.78366), locally known as Avondale Bridge, carrying CR 5/2 over Dry Fork in McDowell County, the “U. S. Army SP4 Dennis Harvey Roberts Memorial Bridge”; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the “U. S. Army SP4 Dennis Harvey Roberts Memorial Bridge”; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.
