Bill Text: WV HCR46 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced

West Virginia House Concurrent Resolution 46 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: U.S. Navy Seaman Donald Homer Wheeler Memorial Bridge

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 9-0)

Status: (Passed) 2022-03-05 - House received Senate message [HCR46 Detail]

Download: West_Virginia-2022-HCR46-Introduced.html

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 46

(By Delegates Cooper, Toney, Haynes, Dean, Barrett, Paynter, Zatezalo, Reynolds, and Rowan

[February 7, 2022]

Requesting the Division of Highways name Bridge Number: 45-003/00-014.90 () (45A090), (37.63979,-80.80448) locally known as the Willow Wood Bridge, carrying WV 3 over Greenbrier River in Summers County, the “U. S. Navy Seaman Donald Homer Wheeler Memorial Bridge”.

Whereas, Donald Homer Wheeler was born on February 23, 1942, in Hinton, West Virginia, to Shirley Ruth Wheeler; Donald grew up just a short distance from the Willow Wood Bridge where he was raised along with his 10 brothers and sisters; and

Whereas, On July 17, 1959, at the age of 17, Donald joined the United States Navy; and

Whereas, After completing basic training, U. S. Navy Seaman Donald Homer Wheeler was assigned to the U.S.S. Boston, a guided missile cruiser upon which he proudly served his county until his untimely death on July 15, 1961, at the young age of 19; and

Whereas, On that day, U. S. Navy Seaman Donald Homer Wheeler fell from a pier and into the water below where he succumbed to drowning; the news of this tragic event was devastating to his family, friends and fellow sailors and to this day, Donald is sadly missed and remembered often; and

Whereas, On June 11, 1962, in a letter to Donald’s mother, Rear Admiral R. H. Speck made this statement: “Donald’s service is deeply appreciated and is no less important than that of others who have given their lives in battle in defense of the principles we hold so dear. I am honored to have had him under my command. His record of performance of duty is a great pride to me.”; and

Whereas, U. S. Navy Seaman Donald Homer Wheeler’s remaining siblings, Bill Wheeler, Linda Wheeler Cales, Ernie Wheeler, Jimmy Wheeler, Jerry Wheeler, Garry Wheeler, and John Wheeler would find it the upmost honor for the Willow Wood Bridge to be named in memory of their beloved brother; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate U. S. Navy Seaman Donald Homer Wheeler and his contributions to our state and country; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name Bridge Number: 45-003/00-014.90 () (45A090), (37.63979,-80.80448) locally known as the Willow Wood Bridge, carrying WV 3 over Greenbrier River in Summers County, the “U. S. Navy Seaman Donald Homer Wheeler 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. Navy Seaman Donald Homer Wheeler Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.