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Committee reports bill to name US 41 for Specialist David Anthony Wilkie Jr.
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Summary
The House Transportation Committee voted to report House Bill 4351, which would designate a stretch of U.S. 41 as the Specialist David Anthony Wilkie Jr. Memorial Highway, after family and comrade testimony.
The Michigan House Transportation Committee voted to report House Bill 4351 with recommendation, advancing a measure to name a portion of U.S. 41 in memory of Specialist David Anthony Wilkie Jr.
Representative Preston sponsored the bill and introduced family members and friends who testified by Zoom. Danielle Wilkie, the soldier’s sister, said her family carries everyday memories of Wilkie and described him as an outdoorsman whose “smile would light up a room.” Retired Army veteran Rich Severson, who testified remotely, said he served near Fallujah and described Wilkie as "a good young man" and a friend to his son.
Testimony said Specialist Wilkie, raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, deployed to Iraq with the 1st Infantry Division and was killed by an IED on June 18, 2007, in Baghdad. He received a Bronze Star and the Purple Heart and is buried in Spalding Township Cemetery. Representative Preston said family members and friends supported the naming.
Committee members briefly discussed funding. Representative Brock said his understanding, after speaking with the bill sponsor, was that signage and related costs were fully funded. The Department of Transportation submitted a neutral card for the hearing.
Representative Preston moved to report House Bill 4351 with recommendation. The roll call recorded 16 yeas, 0 nays, 0 passes; the committee reported the bill to the full House.
