COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 65

(By Delegates Paxton, Longstreth, Iaquinta, Andes,

        McCuskey, Guthrie, Wells, Young, Tomblin, Perdue,

        P. Smith and Boggs)

Requesting that bridge number 40-25/2-0.13 (40A153) on 40th Street and near 2nd Avenue in Nitro, Putnam County, West Virginia, the “Army SP4 Harold “Skip” Grouser Memorial Bridge”.

    Whereas, SP4 Grouser was born on January 12, 1938 in Nitro; and

    Whereas, SP4 Grouser enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18 and trained as a machinist; and

    Whereas, SP4 Grouser was sent to duty on the atoll of Eniwetok at the Atomic Proving Grounds in April 1957; and

    Whereas, During his time at Eniwetok SP4 Grouser witnessed at least two above ground detonations of atomic bombs, the Hardtack and Yucca and Cactus shots; and

    Whereas, SP4 Grouser unknowingly, along with many others, had no idea how devastating exposure to atomic testing would be; and

    Whereas, SP4 Grouser, who received disability compensation for his disease resulting from his service in the South Pacific, passed away on July 27, 2013 after a seven year battle with cancer; and

    Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate this native son who so honorably served his state and his country; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 40-25/2-0.13 (40A153) on 40th Street and near 2nd Avenue in Nitro, Putnam County, West Virginia, the “Army SP4 Harold “Skip” Grouser Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of the Division of Highways is hereby requested to erect signs at both ends of the bridge containing bold and prominent letters proclaiming the bridge the “Army SP4 Harold “Skip” Grouser Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways and James A. Lewis, West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance.