HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 49

(By Delegates Ferrell, Willis, Cannon, Tully, Crouse, Nestor, W. Clark, Howell, Winzenreid, Toney, and Shamblin)

[Introduced January 25, 2024; referred to the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure then Rules]

Requesting the Division of Highways name Bridge Number: 20-043/04-000.02  () (20A801), (38.51797, -81.45128) locally known as BIG FORK RD BRIDGE, carrying CR 43/04 over LITTLE SANDY CREEK in Kanawha County, the "U. S. Air Force Airman 1st Class "Willis 'Arnold' Karickhoff Memorial Bridge".

Whereas, Willis "Arnold" Karickhoff was born on August 6, 1938. He was the son of Marshall and Evelyn Karickhoff and was raised on Big Fork in Kanawha County; and

Whereas, Arnold had one sister and four brothers. His two older brothers were career US Army, and both retired with honors. His two younger brothers also served in the US Army and were discharged with honors; and

Whereas, Arnold enlisted into the US Marines in June 1957 after graduating from Clendenin High School. During his time in the Marines, he served a 15-month tour in Vietnam. LCPL Karickhoff was discharged from the Marines in June 1960. In January 1961; he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force serving as a gunner in a helicopter flying missions to support ground troops. On October 28, 1966 in South Vietnam he was shot and killed when flying on his last mission to serve this great country; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate U. S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Willis  "Arnold" Karickhoff 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: 20-043/04-000.02  () (20A801), (38.51797, -81.45128) locally known as BIG FORK RD BRIDGE, carrying CR 43/04 over LITTLE SANDY CREEK in Kanawha County, the "U. S. Air Force Airman 1st Class "Willis 'Arnold' Karickhoff 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. Air Force Airman 1st Class "Willis 'Arnold' Karickhoff 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.