Callender & Troy's H.B. 291 Heads to Governor

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Jamie Callender (R-Concord) and Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick) announced today that the Ohio House has concurred on House Bill 291, a bill including several road-naming bills with the strong support of State Senator Jerry C. Cirino (R-Kirtland). The bill includes Callender 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 United States Army in 2003. He became a UH-60 Helicopter Repairer, and deployed to serve our nation 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 am proud to support the efforts of House Bill 291 to recognize exemplary Americans like Staff Sgt. McGee across Ohio,” State Senator Jerry C. Cirino said. “Words cannot describe our gratitude for the heroes who make the ultimate sacrifice for our country and communities, but memorials such as the SSG Kyle R. McKee Memorial Highway will honor their memories.”

“With today’s Senate consideration and approval of H. B. 291, we are one step closer to enacting this important memorial,” Callender said. “The recognition for Staff Sgt. McKee, and the other heroes that have been included, reminds 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 memorialize Kyle’s service, the loss suffered by the McKee family, and his community. Renaming the portion of State Route 86 in his honor will also remind us that the freedoms we enjoy every day come at a high price.

The bill now awaits the Governor’s signature in the coming weeks.