HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 83

(By Delegates Statler and Williams)

[Introduced March 13, 2017]

Requesting the Division of Highways to name bridge number 31-7-13.09 (31A005) (39.71883, ­80.21993), locally known as West Blacksville Bridge, carrying WV 7 over Dunkard Creek and Railroad in Monongalia County, the "U.S. Army SPC John R. Tennant Memorial Bridge."

Whereas, U.S. Army Specialist Fourth Class Electrician John R. Tennant was born on July 25, 1949, and raised near Daybrook. He was the son of an electrician and graduated from Clay-Battelle High School in 1966. Army Specialist Tennant was an active member of the choir, and an award-winning thespian; and

Whereas, Army Specialist Tennant worked in the field of construction until joining the United States Army in 1968, to show his dedication to his country during the Vietnam Conflict. Tennant served with Company D, 554^th Engineer Battalion, 79th Engineer Group, 20th Engineer Brigade. He served as an electrician and his rank was Specialist Fourth Class; and

Whereas, Army Specialist Tennant was killed on February 26, 1969, by a massive rocket attack that struck the Cu Chi Base Camp which was then followed by a ground attack by sappers, also known as combat engineers. The sappers managed to destroy nine Chinook heavy lift helicopters. However, more than twenty enemy combatants were killed and several captured during the battle; and

Whereas, During his short time in the military, Army Specialist Tennant was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal for his dedication, hard work and commitment to his duties in the U.S. Army; and

Whereas, Army Specialist Tennant’s sacrifice for the nation was an important one. His efforts in the Vietnam War showed his passion for the country and his desire to protect communities like his own; and

Whereas, It is fitting and proper that U.S. Army Specialist Fourth Class Electrician John R. Tennant be honored by having this bridge named for a soldier who gave the ultimate sacrifice; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 31-7-13.09 (31A005) (39.71883, ­80.21993), locally known as West Blacksville Bridge, carrying WV 7 over Dunkard Creek and Railroad in Monongalia County, the "U.S. Army SPC John R. Tennant 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 “U.S. Army SPC John R. Tennant Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates, forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.