HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 41

(By Delegates  Miley, Hamrick, Trecost And Waxman)

February 8, 2016

Requesting the Division of Highways to name the twin bridges on Interstate 79, over County Route 24 in Harrison County, Bridge Number 17-79-121.32 NB-SB (17A316 and 17A317), latitude 39.30697, longitude -80.27468, locally known as the Meadowbrook Road Overpass, the "U.S. Army Air Corps CPT Kenneth R. Winters, Sr. Memorial Bridge"

Whereas, U.S. Army Air Corps Captain Kenneth R. Winters, Sr. was born on June 3, 1922, and graduated from Washington Irving High School with honors; and

Whereas, With war looming on the horizon and while on the wait list for Virginia Military Institute, Captain Winters had to make some crucial decisions, and joined the Civil Air Patrol at the Benedum Airport; and

Whereas, Upon graduation from the Civil Air Patrol Captain Winters enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, becoming an instructor and test pilot; and

Whereas, After requesting overseas duty in the European theater, Captain Winters began flying B-17 bombers, and moved through the ranks to become lead bomber, and earning the rank of Captain in the United States' fight with Germany; and

Whereas, Captain Winters became a member of the famed “Lucky Bastard Club,” completing twenty-five or more missions, before being shot down.  He completed his duty as a reservist upon returning to the United States; and

Whereas, Upon returning to civilian life, Captain Winters worked for his father, Cecil Winters, became a successful businessman in the beverage industry and owned the Royal Crown and Dr. Pepper bottling plants in Clarksburg for forty-five years; and

Whereas, Captain Winters was very active in the community, residing on Club View Drive for over forty-six years, serving in the Shriners and as a member of Rotary, and he could remember Interstate 79 as it was being built as his home was right off Exit 121; and

Whereas, Sadly, Captain Winters passed away on September 9, 2014.  After spending the last ten months of his life in a local nursing home, he was able to spend the last night of his life at home.  He is survived by his wife, Kathryn, and two of his sons, James D. Winters and Craig Winters, all of Harrison County; and

Whereas, Captain Winters was a long-time pillar of the community, and it is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate his service to his community and country; therefore, be it

Resolved by the West Virginia Legislature:

That the Legislature hereby requests the Division of Highways to name the twin bridges on Interstate 79, over County Route 24 in Harrison County, Bridge Number 17-79-121.32 NB-SB (17A316 and 17A317), latitude 39.30697, longitude -80.27468, locally known as the Meadowbrook Road Overpass, the "U.S. Army Air Corps CPT Kenneth R. Winters, 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 twin bridges, both northbound and southbound, as the "U.S. Army Air Corps CPT Kenneth R. Winters, Sr. 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 and to the family of the late U.S. Army Corps Captain Kenneth R. Winters, Sr.