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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
John Hornaman |
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Hornaman: House passes bill to re-name bridge in Millcreek in honor of fallen soldier
HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. John Hornaman, D-Erie, said today that the House has unanimously passed legislation (H.B. 1795) he introduced that would rename the Powell Avenue Bridge in Millcreek Township for a local fallen soldier.
The bridge would be re-designated the “Staff Sgt. Jeremy R. Horton Memorial Bridge.” The state Department of Transportation would be responsible for putting up and maintaining signs with the new name on the bridge located on state Route 229.
Horton enlisted in the Army in 1997 as an infantryman. He rose rapidly through the ranks, serving as a SAW gunner, grenadier and Fire Team Leader in the 2nd Battalion and 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment known as the "Devils in Baggy Pants."
In 2002, Horton and his wife arrived in Germany, where he was later promoted to staff sergeant deploying with the 2nd Brigade, 1AD to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. There Horton joined Bravo Co., 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry. In October 2003, Horton volunteered to be Alpha Section leader, commanding his first Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
On May 21, 2004, he died while serving near Al Iskandariyah, Iraq when an improvised explosive device blew up while his convoy was stopped for another roadside bomb.
Horton was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
“My heart goes out to this young man’s wife and family,” said Hornaman. “The ultimate sacrifice he made for our country will not be forgotten by the people of Erie.”
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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CONTACT: Gabrielle A.
Prutisto |