COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 34(By Delegates R. Phillips, Tomblin, Barker

          and Eldridge)

Requesting that bridge number 23-10-22.06 (23A040) on Route 10 in Logan County, West Virginia, be named the “U. S. Marine Private Rudy Varney Bridge”.

    Whereas, USMC Private Varney served as a Marine in the Vietnam War, receiving a Purple Heart for wounds sustained on April 14, 1968, in the Battle of Khe Sahn; and

    Whereas, USMC Private Varney returned to America after the Vietnam War and dedicated his life to serving veterans from Southern West Virginia, establishing and assuming roles of leadership in numerous programs to include the Commander of the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America for over twenty years and has served in leadership positions on numerous other veterans organizations as well; and

    Whereas, USMC Private Varney was assigned to the Governor’s Council for Veterans Issues across West Virginia; and

    Whereas, USMC Private Varney served as a Veterans driver for years transporting countless veterans to and from appointments at the Veterans Administration Hospitals across the state to ensure all veteran issues were addressed; and

    Whereas, USMC Private Varney is solely responsible for the survival and success of the Henlawson Veterans Center, working to establish programs and opportunities that have assisted countless veterans over the past three decades; and

    Whereas, USMC Private Varney has served on numerous veteran boards, committees and panels established by past governors, elected officials and key veteran leaders to address veterans issues such as homelessness and the creation of veteran graveyards across Southern West Virginia; and

    Whereas, USMC Private Varney has worked closely with the Logan Empowerment, Action and Development Community Organization on events such as Operation Santa and Operation Clean Sweep and the Homeless Count to assist those in need, set an example for others to follow and made Logan a better place to live; and

    Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring testament be established to recognize this native son who has so ably served his state and his country; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 23-10-22.06 (23A040) on Route 10 in Logan County, West Virginia, the “USMC Private Rudy Varney 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 “USMC Private Rudy Varney Bridge”; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways and Rudy Varney.