SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 16

(By Senators Phillips, Rucker, Stuart, Taylor, and Smith)

[Introduced February 17, 2023]

Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 23-005/00-004.52 (23A383), (37.85814, -82.07508), locally known as North Shegon Bridge, carrying CR 05 over Mud Fork in Logan County, the "U. S. Army 1SG James Arnold Browning Memorial Bridge".

Whereas, James Arnold Browning, United States Army Ranger, was born March 12, 1935, at Dempsey Branch, West Virginia to the late Wille and Jenethel Browning of Verdunville; and

Whereas, First Sergeant James Arnold Browning's distinguished Army career spanned more than 20 years, beginning at the age of 16, when he joined the U. S. Army First Sergeant Browning served 5 tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam; and

Whereas,  First Sergeant James Arnold Browning was honored by the U.S. Army for his many acts of bravery with three Bronze Star Medals along with his other numerous decorations including completion of Ranger Training, Good Conduct Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Republic of Korean War Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Expert Qualification Badge for Marksmanship, Parachutist Badge for completing Airborne training course, Combat Infantry Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal; he was also part of the 3rd Infantry Division, the most honored Division in the Army; and

Whereas, First Sergeant James Arnold Browning proudly served his country and remained a devoted and active member of his local VA Chapter 308 in Logan, WV, until his passing; and

Whereas, First Sergeant James Arnold Browning also retired after 25 years with Pittston Coal Company and was an active member of the United Mine Workers of America Local Union 8454; and

Whereas, First Sergeant James Arnold Browning passed on January 24, 2021 from COVID-19 related health issues; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate U.S. Army 1SG James Arnold Browning 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 23-005/00-004.52 (23A383), (37.85814, -82.07508), locally known as North Shegon Bridge, carrying CR 05 over Mud Fork in Logan County, the "U. S. Army 1SG James Arnold Browning 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 James Arnold Browning Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.