HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 45

(By Delegates Robinson, Rowe, Estep-Burton, Byrd, Pushkin, Skaff and Linville)

[Introduced January 30, 2020]

Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 20-11-1.21 (20A854), locally known as Alum Creek Bridge 1.21, carrying County Route 11 over Alum Creek in Kanawha County, the “U. S. Army Sgt John Matthew Tully Memorial Bridge”.

Whereas, Sgt Tully was born on November 27, 1988, and grew up in Kanawha County, West Virginia; and

Whereas, Sgt Tully attended George Washington High School and graduated from high school in the spring of 2007; and

Whereas, Sgt Tully enlisted in the United States Army after graduating high school on July 18, 2007, during the conflict with Iraq; and

Whereas, Sgt Tully was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas and was assigned to the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, also known as “The Big Red One,” where Sgt Tully served two tours of duty in Baghdad, Iraq; and

Whereas, Sgt Tully earned many decorations during his time of service including the National Defense Service Medal, Global War of Terrorism Service Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star while serving in Operation Iraqi Surge during 2008-2009; and

Whereas, Sgt Tully returned home to Kanawha County, West Virginia after serving his country to start a new life as a civilian; and

Whereas, Sgt Tully passed away at the young age of 31; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Sgt John Matthew Tully 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 20-11-1.21 (20A854), locally known as Alum Creek Bridge 1.21, carrying County Route 11 over Alum Creek in Kanawha County, the “U. S. Army Sgt John Matthew Tully Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to erect signs containing bold and prominent letters identifying the bridge as the “U. S. Army Sgt John Matthew Tully Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.