Ohio House Passes Bill to Designate Staff Sgt. Zachary Wobler Memorial Highway

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 380, legislation that will name twenty-nine roads and bridges throughout Ohio, announced State Rep. Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland).

Included in the bill is House Bill 431, sponsored by Klopfenstein, which will designate a portion of U.S. Route 127 in Paulding County, near his childhood home, as the Staff Sargent Zachary Wobler Memorial Highway. Wobler, of Ottawa, Ohio, was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom when he was killed in action on February 6, 2005, at the age of 24.

“Staff Sergeant Wobler was a natural leader who deeply cared for his fellow soldiers,” said Klopfenstein. “Despite being told he needed knee surgery and could return home during his first deployment, he chose to stay and lead his team in Iraq. Designating a portion of the highway adjacent to where he grew up is a special way to honor his service and sacrifice.”

Wobler is a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient. He is laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

The legislation now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.