Committee Substitute

for

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 39

(By Senators Romano, Jeffries, Caputo, and Lindsay)

[Originating in the Committee on Rules; reported March 10, 2022]

Requesting the Division of Highways to name bridge number 20-079/00-019.22 (NB and SB) (20A514-20A515), locally known as I-79 CLENDENIN I/C NB, carrying I-79 over CR 53 in Kanawha County, the “Walker Brothers Veterans Memorial Bridge”.

Whereas, All five of the Walker men volunteered for military service during the Vietnam War with three experiencing injuries while on active duty; and

Whereas, Albert J.L. Walker served as a civil engineer in the U.S. Air Force at the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska when the Great Alaskan Earthquake struck in 1964. He was active in rescue efforts and recovery of the dead following the strongest earthquake in North American history; and

Whereas, Allie Melton Walker served in the U.S. Air Force at the Kaden Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan, as an aircraft mechanic. He deployed to Vietnam for three months at a time as the crew chief on the C130 aircraft delivering cargo and picking up the wounded and the dead.  He earned a Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM w/1BR OLC), Special Ops, and marksmanship; and

Whereas, Ray Milton Walker served in the U.S. Army at the Dong Tam Base Camp where he was a part of the ground recon team for the 1st Aviation Brigade. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal with two bronze stars, and Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar; and

Whereas, Roger Bill Walker served in the U.S. Air Force at Udorn Airbase, Thailand, as a radar operator and air traffic controller assisting with the bombing of North Vietnam. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct, and Special Ops; and

Whereas, David Allen Walker joined the WV Army National Guard while he was still a senior in high school, serving as a Green Beret with the 19th S.F. Group Airborne as a combat engineer. He was injured during paratrooper trainer when his plane caught on fire and forced him to jump onto the tarmac wearing full combat gear.  He continued to serve in supply and transport. David Allen Walker also served the State of West Virginia as a WV Delegate from the 33rd District from 2009 to 2015; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate the Walker brothers and their 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 20-079/00-019.22 (NB and SB) (20A514-20A515), locally known as I-79 CLENDENIN I/C NB, carrying I-79 over CR 53 in Kanawha County, the “Walker Brothers Veterans 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 “Walker Brothers Veterans 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.