Senate Committee Approves Bill Honoring Soldiers

Westmoreland roads could be renamed for fallen heroes

The Senate Transportation Committee today approved two separate bills that would name highways in honor of two Westmoreland County soldiers who died while serving in Iraq, according to Senator Don White, committee member and prime sponsor of one of the bills.

Both Senate Bill 599, sponsored by Senator White, and House Bill 1110, sponsored by Representative Jess Stairs, would name highways in the community of Seward in honor of PFC Ricky Hafer and SPC Aaron Rusin.

"We wanted to move both of these bills through the legislative process as quickly as possible in order to provide a lasting tribute that recognizes the service and sacrifice of these men," said Senator White, Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Committee.

Under the bills, State Route 56 in Seward would be designated as the "Ricky Hafer Highway," while State Route 711 would be renamed as "Aaron Rusin Boulevard." PFC Hafer died on Nov. 15, 2003 during a mid-air collision involving a Blackhawk helicopter. SPC. Rusin was killed while patrolling in a Humvee on Oct. 10, 2004.

The two soldiers were honored this past Memorial Day during a ceremony in Seward. Speaking at that event, Senator White challenged the audience to remember the two Westmoreland County men and all Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"We can never repay those like PFC Hafer and SPC Rusin who died in defense of our country; however, we can honor their memory and pay tribute to their unfailing courage," Senator White said. "They are not here to see the enormous changes taking place in the world and to celebrate the victories of democracy with us, but they brought us to this time in history and their sacrifices have not been made in vain."

SB 599 and HB 1110 now go to the full Senate for consideration.