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Minutes for HB2124 - Committee on Transportation
Short Title
Designating a portion of United States highway 160 as the CPL Monte Wayne Forrest memorial highway.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 4, 2025
Chairperson Petersen called the meeting to order at 8:33 a.m. and opened the hearing on HB2124.
Assistant Revisor Adam Siebers briefed the Committee on the bill. He said the bill designates a portion of U.S. Highway 160 as the CPL Monte Wayne Forrest Memorial Highway, a portion of U.S. Highway 77 as the POW MIA Memorial Highway, and bridge # 88-14-6.88 (026) in Clay County as the POW MIA Memorial Bridge. He explained that the Secretary for the Kansas Department of Transportation is authorized to place the signs after receiving sufficient funds from gifts and donations to cover the cost and maintenance of the signs (Attachment 1).
Representative Lewis Bloom, District 64, testified as a proponent for the bill. He stated that the signs for the highway and bridge will be a lasting tribute to those who sacrificed so much for our country. He expressed appreciation for the veterans organizations and community advocates who were providing this legacy for families of those who have served (Attachment 2). A Committee member added his appreciation for those who served their country and the community members who proposed this bill.
Jon Gran, MSG Retired Army and representing the Wakefield VFW, spoke in favor of the bill. He recounted his own experience as an army nurse in combat situations and the anguish of family members whose lives were affected by those imprisoned or those missing in action (Attachment 3).
Glenn Nelson, Jr., a disabled veteran, shared the stories of four veterans or veteran families who experienced being a prisoner of war or were missing in action and the effect on their families (Attachment 4). A Committee member recalled a conversation he had with a combat veteran who survived after being listed as missing in action.
The Chair closed the hearing on HB2124.
