'CPL Benjamin C. Dillon Memorial Highway' Approved by General Assembly

Today, the Ohio House of Representatives concurred on Sub. House Bill 291. The bill has several road-naming bills within it including Pavliga’s House Bill 25, which designates a portion of Interstate Route 76 in Portage County as the "CPL Benjamin C. Dillon Memorial Highway." 

“CPL Dillon was a resident of Portage County, he was a courageous and proud American who dedicated his life to serving his country,” Pavliga said. “I’m honored that during this General Assembly we have passed a bill recognizing his sacrifice to this great nation.”

CPL Dillon graduated from the Ranger Indoctrination Program in March of 2005, after enlisting into the Army in 2004. He served in the 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifleman, grenadier, automatic rifleman, machine gunner, and gun team leader. CPL Dillon was tragically killed in action back in October 2007.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal 2nd award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Army Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. He was also posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with V Device for Valor, the Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal.

Additionally, CPL Dillon often volunteered within his community of Edinburg. He helped with the groundbreaking work to establish Edinburg Township Park, which has walking trails, baseball, soccer and football fields, playgrounds, and concession stands. At Southeast High School he played baseball, basketball, and golf. He also helped maintain the parks grounds and umpired there in high school.

"Thank you to Representative Pavliga for the reintroduction of the road naming bill to honor the memory and service of Cpl. Ben Dillon,” said Randi Clites, former State Representative that introduced the bill during the 133rd General Assembly. “I know the sign on I-76 overlooking the Edinburgh ballfields will be forever a physical place that our community will be reminded of the legacy of a great young man."

Pavliga previously supported Sub. House Bill 291 when it passed in the House back in June 2021. The legislation now heads to the governor for consideration to be signed into law.