HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 46
(By Delegate Hrutkay)
Requesting the Division of Highways name the bridge spanning the
Guyandotte River, currently referred to as the "Henlawson
Thru Truss Bridge" located on County Route 12/4 at mile post
0.05, the "Robert T. (Bob) Carper Vietnam Veteran Bridge."
Whereas, Among his many endeavors and activities in life,
Robert T. "Bob" Carper was a devoted citizen, soldier, husband,
father, active veteran and Christian; and
Whereas, From March 1965 to March, 1969, he unselfishly and
courageously served as a United States Marine for two tours of duty
in Vietnam, achieving and being honored with the Navy Achievement
Medal with Combat "V" for service, the Combat Action Ribbon for
service in Vietnam, the Presidential Unit Citation awarded to 3rd
Marine Division for Service in Vietnam, the Navy Unit Commendation
awarded to Task Force Yankee for service in Vietnam, the National
Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one silver
star, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation for
gallantry under fire, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal;
and
Whereas, Robert T. "Bob" Carper was a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Norman R. Miller Chapter where he
served variously as first Vice President and Treasurer; and
Whereas, Robert T. "Bob" Carper was absolutely dedicated to
veterans' causes, routinely working tirelessly to promote and
advance worthwhile endeavors on behalf of veterans; a sampling of
his many veteran-related activities included bringing the Traveling
Vietnam Memorial to Logan, maintaining the Veterans Memorial
Doughboy statue in Logan in an honored fashion, working with the
Huntington Veterans Administration Hospital and the Regional Office
of Veterans Affairs in hosting a "stand down" in an effort to
secure health care benefits as well as the basic necessities of
food and clothing for homeless veterans; and
Whereas, The passing of this tireless and dedicated veteran's
life from the earthly bonds of this world leaves behind a proud and
distinguished legacy upon which family and friends may find
solace, and from which fellow veterans and fellow citizens will
find an example worthy of emulation; and
Whereas, As a small token of this collective legislative
bodies' gratitude and recognition for this dedicated soldier and
veteran's good works and patriotic spirit, it is hereby decreed
that the Division of Highways shall name the bridge spanning the
Guyandotte River, currently referred to as the "Henlawson Thru
Truss Bridge," located on County Route 12/4 at mile post 0.05, the
"Robert T. (Bob) Carper Vietnam Veteran Bridge"; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the Division of Highways
to name the bridge currently referred to as the "Henlawson Thru
Truss Bridge" located on County Route 12/4 at mile post 0.05, the
"Robert T. (Bob) Carper Vietnam Veteran Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is requested
to have made and be placed, signs identifying the bridge as the
"Robert T. (Bob) Carper Vietnam Veteran Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates
forward a certified copy of this Resolution to the Secretary of
Transportation, the Commissioner of the Division of Highways, and
the family of Mr. Carper, including his wife Sandy, his two sons,
Tom of St. Albans and Jason of Carmel, California, and his
daughter, Leah Carper of Henlawson and the Vietnam Veterans of
America, Norman R. Miller Chapter.