State Reps. Callender and Troy Testify in Support of Road-Naming Bill Honoring Staff Sgt. Kyle McKee

State Reps. Jamie Callender (R-Concord) and Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick) testified today in support of their legislation honoring U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kyle McKee from Leroy Township in the House Transportation and Public Safety Committee. Under the legislation, House Bill 291 designates a portion of State Route 86 through Leroy Township as the “SSG Kyle R. McKee Memorial Highway.” 

“On November 12, 2020, while conducting routine operations in Sinai, Egypt, Staff Sergeant McKee, along with five other soldiers, was killed when his UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter suffered a catastrophic failure and crashed,” said Callender. “This legislation will stand as a memorial to Kyle’s service and the loss suffered by the McKee family. It should also serve as a reminder to us all that the freedoms we enjoy every day come at a high price.”

“It is indeed fitting that we designate this portion of State Route 86 in honor of SSG. McKee,” said Troy. “By doing so, we enable the citizens of Leroy Township and eastern Lake County traversing this main thoroughfare to always remember Kyle, his service, and his ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation.”

Staff Sgt. McKee, a Leroy Township-native, graduated from Riverside High School in Painesville before entering the military in 2003.

Staff Sgt. McKee became a UH-60 Helicopter Repairer and deployed to countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, and Egypt. McKee received numerous awards and decorations for his service, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal three times, Army Achievement Medal four times, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal two times, Iraq Campaign Medal three times, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, Senior Aircrew Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge.

After today’s testimony in committee, the legislation awaits further consideration in the House Transportation and Public Safety Committee.