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Minutes for HB2502 - Committee on Transportation
Short Title
Designating a portion of United States highway 77 as the Cpl. Allen E. Oatney and SP4 Gene A. Myers memorial highway.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 11, 2020
Proponents
The Chairman recognized Representative Pannbacker.(Attachment 1) He said this bill is to name a section of United States Highway 77 from the eastern city limits to Blue Rapids then west to the junction of United States Highway 77 with K-9 in Waterville in Marshall County as the Cpl. Allen E. Oatney and SP4 Gene A. Myers Memorial Highway. Representative Pannbacker said Corporal Oatney and SP4 Myers exemplified the unique characteristics of courage and devotion to country. He said in addition to being a remembrance to those who knew them, naming this a memorial highway will be a daily reminder to those growing up and living in the area that these two native sons knew what it meant to serve and gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
The next proponent was Jerry Zayas. (Attachment 2) He said the members of American Legion Post 169 of Blue Rapids and Post 332 of Waterville were asking approval to name a five-mile portion of US Highway 77 in honor of Corporal Allen Oatney and SP4 Gene Myers. He said the funding for memorial signs will be provided by the American Legion Posts 169 and 332 through private donations.
The Chairman recognized Jim Oatney as the next proponent.(Attachment 3) According to Mr. Oatney, Allen spent most of his life in and around the Manhattan and Waterville communities. He loved hunting and fishing and was a member of the 4-H club and football team. He was employed by the COOP elevator in Barnes when he was drafted into the U.S.Army. He arrived in Vietnam in March 1970 and was killed by hostile enemy small arms fire three months later.
Chairman Proehl recognized Bill Barrington. (Attachment 4) According to Mr. Barrington, Specialist Fourth Class Gene A. Myers was born in Marysville. He was an only child and his family moved to a farm near Barnes where he attended Barnes High School before moving again to Waterville. After graduation he worked at a local lumber company until he was drafted by the U.S. Army. He arrived in Vietnam in September of 1968 and was killed while on a mission on June 9, 1969 by hostile enemy small arms fire.
Roger Edwards was the next proponent. (Attachment 5) Mr. Edwards said he felt deeply that it is up to them today to honor these two men out of the 54 thousand plus that "gave their all." He said they will live forever in the hearts of their loved ones and that it was only fitting that their communities remember them.
The Chairman asked if there were any other proponents or any opponents, there were none.
There was Written Only Neutral testimony provided by the Kansas Department of Transportation.(Attachment 6)
