HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 26

(By Delegates Westfall and Queen)

[Introduced March 5, 2021]

Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 18-33/00-011.48 () (18A127), -81.72619), locally known as WEST RIPLEY BRIDGE (CSWB), carrying US 33 over MILL CREEK in Jackson County, the “U. S. Navy SK3C Victor Yoak Memorial Bridge”.

Whereas, U. S. Navy SK3C Victor Yoak was born in Shock, West Virginia on March 9, 1922; and

Whereas, U. S. Navy SK3C Victor Yoak enlisted in the Navy in 1942.  He was sent to Norfolk, Virginia for his three-week induction.  The Navy wanted him to be a gunner; but that was not for him.  After a conversation with his commanding officer, he was given the opportunity to serve as a storekeeper at age 20 years on the U.S.S. Monrovia when it went into service.  He sailed two thirds around the world.  As a part of the 3^rd Fleet, his ship was protected by other battleships with no deaths or casualties, but they were attacked by German airstrikes.  Although both General Dwight D. Eisenhower and General George Patton were on the U.S.S. Monrovia at various times, U. S. Navy SK3C Victor Yoak was more impressed with the ship’s ceremony and initiation when the ship crossed the equator; and

Whereas, After being discharged on October 24, 1945, he returned to the states.  He married the love of his life, Ruth Bennington and they raised two children. He moved to Jackson County in 1977, where he was active in Ripley’s city government as a member of the city council. During an interview, the then 98 year old Vic Yoak had no regrets for how he lived his life. Moving to Jackson County was one of his best decisions.  He loved the people there; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate U. S. Navy SK3C Victor Yoak 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 18-33/00-011.48 () (18A127), -81.72619), locally known as WEST RIPLEY BRIDGE (CSWB), carrying US 33 over MILL CREEK in Jackson County, the “U. S. Navy SK3C Victor Yoak 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 SK3C Victor Yoak 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.