Callender & Troy Present Sponsor Testimony in Senate Transportation Committee on H.B. 291

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Jamie Callender (R-Concord) and Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick) provided sponsor testimony in the Ohio Senate on House Bill 291, a bill including several road-naming bills. H.B. 291 includes Callender’s and Troy’s designation of a portion of State Route 86 passing through Leroy Township as the “SSG Kyle R. McKee Memorial Highway.” 

Staff Sgt. McKee, a Leroy Township native, graduated from Riverside High School in Painesville, before entering the military in 2003. He became a UH-60 Helicopter Repairer and deployed to serve overseas in countries including Egypt, Iraq, and South Korea.

McKee received numerous awards and decorations for his service: four Army Achievement Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, three Iraq Campaign Medal, two Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Air Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Assault Badge. the Combat Action Badge, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer Development Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Senior Aircrew Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.

“I’m pleased to see this legislation advance as it honors Kyle’s memory and the loss suffered by the McKee family,” Callender said. “This recognition for Staff Sgt. McKee, and the other heroes that were added, should remind us of what public service is really about, and should encourage us to stay focused on the things that truly matter to the people of Ohio.”

“Designating this portion of State Route 86 in remembrance of Staff Sgt. McKee is a fitting recognition,” Troy said. “Preserving the memory of Kyle’s sacrifice will help the citizens of Leroy Township and eastern Lake County remember and honor this local hero.”

This legislation will stand as a memorial to Kyle’s service and the loss suffered by the McKee family. It should also remind us all that the freedoms we enjoy every day come at a high price.