Hillyer's House Bill 521 Passes Transportation and Public Safety Committee Unanimously

COLUMBUS – State Representative Brett Hillyer (R-Uhrichsville) Tuesday presented sponsor testimony on House Bill 521. Legislation that if enacted will Designate Specialist Ronald Gene Johnson Memorial Overpass that spans US250 at the Northern limits of Uhrichsville. 

"The importance of H. B. 521 is to honor Specialist Ronald Gene Johnson who died in action in the Vietnam War.  Renaming the Johnson Avenue Bridge to ‘Specialist Ronald Gene Johnson Memorial Highway’ is just a small way our small community can recognize the sacrifice he made for our country,” said Amy Myers who was present for sponsor testimony Tuesday. 

I hope that with the formal naming and accompanying signage at the Johnson Drive Overpass, it will inspire every motorist that passes beneath or over it, to look up who Johnson was and read his story. I hope that it further inspires them to look up the names of the various other service members who have roadways and bridges named in their honor, and learn about them as well. Their lives are more than just a name on a sign, bridge, or overpass. 

Ronald Gene Johnson, 23, from Uhrichsville, Ohio entered the Army November 28, 1966. He arrived in Vietnam on May 10, 1967 and was to serve one year.

Johnson was able to enjoy time with his wife while on leave in Hawaii in January 1968, just one month before his death. He was killed on February 7, roughly 40 days before he was to come home. 

Johnson received several decorations during his service including the Purple Heart & bronze star with "V" device.

His bronze star citation reads, “For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Johnson distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, and 4th Infantry Division.” 

Johnson is listed as the 17th casualty from Tuscarawas County during the Vietnam Conflict.

“It was an incredible journey having the opportunity to learn the back story of Specialist Johnson - a man who died 10 years before I was born. It’s been an honor to help try to ensure that his -as well as other veterans- sacrifice will not be forgotten. The brave men and women who serve in our country's armed forces give us all the freedoms and liberties that we enjoy,” said Sargent Brandon McCray who testified on Tuesday. 

The bill passed out of Transportation and Public Safety Committee unanimously today and will soon head to the Ohio House Floor for a vote.