HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 49

(By Delegates Ward, Smith, Crouse, Hott, Ridenour, Thorne, Maynor, Marple, Dean, Lucas, and Keaton)

February 22, 2023

Referred to the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure then the Committee on Rules

Requesting the Division of Highways name Bridge Numbers: 16-048/00-024.02  (EB & WB) (16A128, 16A129), (39.04482, -78.73543) locally known as LOST RIVER #1 EB & WB, carrying US 48 over LOST RIVER in Hardy County,  the "U. S. Army 1SG  Elmer C. Lofton Memorial Bridge".

Whereas, 1SG Elmer C. Lofton was born October 24, 1937, in Hardy County, WV. His parents were Homer and Sadie Lofton. 1SG Elmer C. Lofton was one of 13 children where he spent the first 16 years of his life working on a farm. He joined the military at age 16 and retired after 20 years in the Army in 1975. Father of two sons, Gregory and Michael, and loving husband to Cecelia Ann Lofton; and

Whereas, 1SG Elmer C. Lofton had multiple successful careers after the military in small business and Senior Xerox Management with multiple awards over a 35-year period. 1SG Lofton represented West Virginia in the highest levels of honor and dignity throughout his military career. He was a highly decorated Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Meritorious Service Medal, Presidential Citation, ARCOM with Valor, Purple Heart (two awards), Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge in both Army and Marine Corps, Parachute Badge, Air Medal (2 awards) and several additional Vietnam awards. He served distinguished himself in Infantry Units throughout his time. This included performing numerous positions in Korea, Germany, Colorado, Alaska 172nd Infantry (he skied cross country 200 miles in the Army to the Arctic Circle), and Vietnam (9th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division -- both combat patches).1SG Lofton was sought after by the 3rd Infantry "Old Guard" for a total of 10 years of service with increased rank and responsibility every time; and

Whereas, Some of the high profile events 1SG Lofton supported included: Planning General MacArthur’s Funeral in Norfolk, VA, President Kennedy’s Inauguration and Funeral, Supreme Court Justice Black’s Funeral, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Audie Murphy’s Funeral, and multiple planning and executing of Salute the Taps along with Gregory Peck (an annual event displaying patriotism and honor).  He was also a life member of the Moorefield Chapter VFW; and

Whereas, 1SG Elmer C. Lofton died July 15, 2022, survived by his wife of 62 years Cecelia A. Lofton; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Army 1SG Elmer C. Lofton 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 Numbers: 16-048/00-024.02  (EB & WB) (16A128, 16A129), (39.04482, -78.73543) locally known as LOST RIVER #1 EB & WB, carrying US 48 over LOST RIVER in Hardy County, the "U. S. Army 1SG  Elmer C. Lofton 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 1SG  Elmer C. Lofton 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.