HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 39

(By Delegates Jennings, Street, Cooper, Warner, Ridenour, Shamblin, Petitto, Adkins, and Kimble)

[Introduced January 17, 2024; Referred to
the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure then Rules]

Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 39-050/02-000.89 () (39A113), (39.32593, -79.81876), locally known as the Israel Bridge, carrying CR50/02 over Little Sandy Creek in Preston County, the "U. S. Army SP3 Delbert Sherdan "Buck" Huffman Sr. Memorial Bridge."

Whereas, On March 28, 1933, Delbert Sherdan "Buck" Huffman Sr. was born in Erwin, West Virginia to Charles Frank and Lettia Huffman. He was the youngest of 9 siblings; and

Whereas, Buck graduated from Fellowsville High School in 1951.  After high school, Buck enlisted in the United States Army. Buck was deployed and served in the Korean War.  In 1956, he was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army; and

Whereas, Buck immediately reenlisted with the United States Army and continued to serve.   In 1965-1966, Buck was deployed to Vietnam for a tour of duty.  In 1970-1971, Buck was again deployed to Vietnam for his second tour of duty during that conflict; and

Whereas, Following his return home from his second tour in Vietnam, Buck continued to serve with the United States Army. He was stationed at various military bases across the United States and Germany. In 1976, after 23 years of service to the United States Army, Buck was honorably discharged from retired from the military; and   

Whereas, Buck's warrior spirit and dedication to his country did not go unrecognized. For his service was awarded the following: the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and Expert Badge W/M14 Rifle Bar; and Silver Service was awarded in view of five Bronze Services Stars; and

Whereas, Following his retirement from the Army, Buck continued to support his fellow military veterans through the Kingwood VFW, of which he was a Post Commander. In addition, he was a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans; and

Whereas, On August 10, 2023, Buck passed away at the age of 90; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate U.S. Army SP3 Delbert Sherdan "Buck" Huffman Sr.  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 39-050/02-000.89  () (39A113), (39.32593, -79.81876), locally known as  Israel Bridge, carrying CR50/02 over Little Sandy Creek in Preston County, the "U. S. Army  SP3 Delbert Sherdan "Buck" Huffman Sr. 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. Army SP3 Delbert Sherdan "Buck" Huffman Sr. 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.