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Cutrona Supports House Bill 291 with Floor Vote

April 6, 2022
Al Cutrona News

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COLUMBUS – State Representative Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) joined the Ohio House in unanimously voting in favor of House Bill 291, legislation to memorialize highways and bridges around the state.

The legislation will name state Route 224 in the corporation limits of Poland the Joseph K. Vrabel Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Memorial Highway. 

“Joseph Vrabel was an avid supporter of veterans in Mahoning County and the state,” said Cutrona. “It is an honor to have helped with legislation to memorialize him for the contributions he made to this country, state and fellow veterans.” 

Vrabel entered into the U.S. Army in 1952 where he served with the 37th Infantry Division, 5th Regimental Combat Team during the Korean War. He went on to serve as the Mahoning Valley Post 15 commander and the state commander in 2003. He was also inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in 2013. 

Further, this legislation will designate the bridge on State Route 46 over Interstate 80 located in Mahoning County as the "Air Force 2nd Lt. William Vaughan Memorial Bridge." 

William Vaughan was a graduate of Austintown Fitch High School, class of 1938, and enlisted in the Army Air Force on November 13, 1941. 

Mr. Vaughan was part of the highest decorated crew in Air Force History and received our Nation’s second highest award, the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism in action while serving in a B-17 Bomber of the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43rd Bombardment Group, in action over Bougainville Island on June 16th 1943.

“Air Force 2nd Lt. William Vaughan is a true Hero and it is an honor to have helped with legislation to memorialize him for the sacrifice he made for his country,” added Cutrona. 

The Bill will now head to the Governor in the coming weeks for his signature.