Crowell files Heroes Way bill to honor soldiers killed in action

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - State Sen. Jason Crowell (R-Cape Girardeau) has filed a bill that would honor soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Bill 110 would establish interchanges along Interstate 55 in Southeast Missouri that would be named in honor of six fallen soldiers. Each exit established through the Heroes Way Interstate Designation Program would be located near the fallen soldier's hometown. Additional soldiers that die on the battlefield would have their names added to their respective interchanges.

"The men and women who serve in the military are true heroes, and communities throughout Missouri feel the blow when one of their own gives the ultimate sacrifice," Crowell said. "Heroes Way provides a way to memorialize these heroic soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who do not return home to their family and friends."

To be eligible, soldiers must have been killed in action during active military duty in Afghanistan or Iraq on or after Sept. 11, 2001. One member of the General Assembly must also sponsor the soldier. If the application is approved, signs on the North/South and East/West exits near the soldier's hometown would be established.

Crowell's legislation was pre-filed on Dec. 4. The final day for senators to introduce legislation for the 2009 session is March 1. The 95 General Assembly beings on Jan. 7 and ends on May 15.

Crowell worked with the Missouri Department of Transportation to draft the bill after friend Ross Gartman proposed naming an exit on Interstate 55 in honor of Cpl. Jeremy Shank of Jackson, who died Sept. 6, 2006, while serving in Iraq. Crowell then suggested naming interchanges after additional fallen soldiers from Southeast Missouri.

In addition to Shank, other soldiers that would be commemorated are:

* Staff Sgt. Charles R. Sanders Jr. of Charleston, who died on on April 6, 2005,

* Sgt. Robert G. Davis of Jackson, who died on Aug. 18, 2005,

* Spc. Blake W. Hall of East Prairie, who died on Aug. 21, 2005,

* Sgt. Bradley Skelton of Gordonville, who died on Feb. 6, 2008,

* Sgt. Adam J. Kohlhaas of Perryville, who died on April 21, 2008.

"We owe so much to the men and women who chose to leave their homes to serve our country," Crowell said. "This is one way of making sure the memory of those who have given their lives for our freedoms are honored and remembered."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

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