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Minutes for HB2525 - Committee on Transportation
Short Title
Designating a bridge on United States highway 77 as the PFC Loren H. Larson memorial bridge.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 11, 2020
Staff explained the bill.
Chairman Proehl recognized Representative Suzi Carlson.(Attachment 7) According to Representative Carlson Private First Class Loren H. Larson served in the 1st Calvary Division in the 2nd Battalion, 5th Calvary, E Company. He began his tour on May 3rd, 1969 and was killed in action on June 29th, 1969. She said many of these soldiers have not been recognized for their service and in recognition of this gold star family naming this bridge the PFC Loren H. Larson Memorial Bridge would be one way honor and respect can be shown to these fallen soldiers.
The next proponent was Don Kotapish. (Attachment 8) He said he was speaking for Loren's brother, Larry who asked him to speak for him. He said Loren gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country and fought in a war that was thankless and not one vet was ever thanked, but instead spit on as they were when returning home at the San Francisco airport.
Larry Larson was the next proponent. (Attachment 9) He said his brother was his best friend and was a true believer in Riley County, and the State of Kansas and gave his life to this country and that he loved the United States and was killed in action in another country. Mr. Larson said he and his brother did everything together and enjoyed the outdoor life of hunting and fishing. He concluded by saying this country lost a great asset when we lost him.
The next proponent was Larry Prichard who was a neighbor of Loren Larson and classmate in grade school and then went to Blue Valley High in Randolph and they were on the football team together. He said they always went hunting and fishing together as well.(Attachment 10) Mr. Prichard said four friends went into the military together and three of them came back alive. He said Loren was killed in action.
Mr. Dale Stennett was the next proponent. (Attachment 11) He said he first met Loren as a freshman at Blue Valley High School at Randolph. He said they played football together and ran around with four or five other guys. He said four of them went to Vietnam and Loren was the only one that did not make it home.
Lawrence W. Barrington, Jr. was the next proponent to speak. (Attachment 12) He said he wrote his letter with great pride to name the Highway 77 bridge north of Randolph in Riley County the "Loren Henry Larson Memorial Bridge." He said naming this bridge after a Kansas hero would give all the citizens of Riley County and all veterans in Kansas a sense of pride and patriotism. He said PFC Larson exemplified courage and devotion to country by giving his life.
Written Only testimony in support of HB2525 by:
Vonda Wiedner, Mission, Kansas (Attachment 13)
Darrell Carlson, Diamond Springs, CA (Attachment 14)
Mark Kapinos, served with Loren Larson (Attachment 15)
There were no other proponents nor opponents.
Written Only Neutral testimony by the Kansas Department of Transportation.(Attachment 16)
No one else desired to speak so the Chairman closed the hearing on HB2525. The Chairman called for Final Action on HB2524.
