Bill Text: WV HCR33 | 2023 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Lt. Col. Mitchell M. Mickel Memorial Bridge
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Passed) 2023-03-11 - House Message received [HCR33 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2023-HCR33-Amended.html
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 33
(By Delegate Skaff)
February 13, 2023
Referred to the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure then the Committee on Rules
Requesting the Division of Highways name a bridge bearing bridge number 20-N14/80-000.1 () (20A928), (38.36406, -81.69170), locally known as CENTRAL AVENUE OVERPASS, carrying City N14/80 over CSX RR & FIRST AVENUE in Kanawha County, as the “USAF Lt. Col. Mitchell M. Mickel Memorial Bridge”.
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel was born on March 25, 1922, in Kfeir, Lebanon; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel’s father, Abe Mickel, was a naturalized citizen of the United States who earned his citizenship by serving in the Army during World War I; and
Whereas, In 1921, Abe Mickel went back to the "old country" of Lebanon to bring members of his family to the United States, and in 1922, Mitchel M. Mickel was born; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel and his family returned to the United States in 1923, where they made their home in Williamson, West Virginia in Mingo County; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel and his two brothers and sister grew up in the small town that was rich in Lebanese culture, as many other descendants from Kfeir, Lebanon, settled in Williamson, West Virginia; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel and his family made their living in their family owned store, "Mickel’s Confectionary", in the heart of the town; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel was educated in the Mingo County public school system, graduating from Williamson High School in 1941; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel began his college career by attending West Virginia University; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel enlisted in the Army in August of 1942, and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for the battle of Anzio, Italy, where he was hit by shrapnel and wounded; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel was honorably discharged from the Army in December of 1945; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel returned to West Virginia and graduated from West Virginia University in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel immediately entered the Air Force Reserves, and later in April of 1951, he joined the Air Force; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel had a military career that spanned over 25 years across two branches; and
Whereas, During his time in the Air Force, Mitchell M. Mickel served in many capacities as he worked his way up through the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel in December, 1967; and
Whereas, In June of 1970, following Mitchell M. Mickel’s retirement from the Air Force, he proudly returned home to West Virginia, settling down in South Charleston; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel then went to work for the Internal Revenue Service for many years, eventually retiring from there and going on to work for the Armed Forces as a Test Coordinator administering entrance exams; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel was a true volunteer, and during his time with the Internal Revenue Service, he would spend every Saturday morning volunteering at the public library to assist the people with their tax questions; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel was the President of the Retired Officers Association for several years; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel also held many important volunteer positions for the Kfeirian Reunion, a family organization made up of descendants from Kfier, Lebanon, which is now in its 88th year; and
Whereas, Sadly, at the age of 85 in January 2008, Mitchell M. Mickel passed away, and was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on his birth date of March 25 with full military honors; and
Where, Mitchell M. Mickel’s final resting place is the perfect place in the cemetery for him, because it is nestled in Section 64 of the Arlington National Cemetery and overlooks the Pentagon, and to the other side of his resting place, the tall spires of the Air Force Monument can be seen towering over the cemetery; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel had a long and distinguished military career, serving during three wars, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; and
Whereas, Mitchell M. Mickel received the following military awards: Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon with Bronze Arrowhead, Meritorious Unit Award, World War II Victory Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Air Force Reserve Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Commendation Medal, and National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star; and
Whereas, For these reasons it is fitting and proper that the bridge be named in honor of Lt. Col. Mitchell M. Mickel; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name a bridge bearing the Bridge Number: 20-N14/80-000.1 ()(20A928), (38.36406,-81.69170) locally known as CENTRAL AVENUE OVERPASS, carrying City N14/80 over CSX RR & FIRST AVENUE in Kanawha County," as the "USAF Lt. Col. Mitchell M. Mickel Memorial Bridge", and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of the Division of Highways is requested to erect signs at both ends of the bridge containing bold and prominent letters proclaiming the bridge as the "USAF Lt. Col. Mitchell M. Mickel 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 and to the family of Mitchell M. Mickel.
