Minnesota House names stretch of Trunk Highway 23 for Sgt. Joshua A. Schmidt

The Minnesota House on April 7 approved House File 854 to designate a segment of marked Trunk Highway 23 in Kandiyohi County as the Sergeant Joshua A. Schmidt Memorial Highway.

Representative Baker, the bill—s author, told colleagues that Sergeant Schmidt served in the National Guard, completed basic training at Fort Benning and deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom as a lead Humvee commander. Baker recounted that Schmidt survived several roadside bombings and was killed when his Humvee struck an improvised explosive device days before he was due to return home. "I hope that we can support carrying this to the finish line today in his honor," Baker said.

Rep. Ryan Sexton described the measure as important for veterans and urged colleagues to "green the board and support the family of this whole hero." The clerk recorded the roll as 134 ayes and 0 nays, and the bill was passed with its title agreed to.

The bill is a legislative designation under transportation law; no funding or construction follows from the naming itself. Baker noted the community raised funds and organized memorial events following Schmidt's death; the bill remarks that April 14 will mark 18 years since the soldier's death.

The measure now proceeds to enrollment. Family members and community supporters were referenced on the floor; Baker specifically addressed Schmidt—s mother, identified in debate as Kim, during remarks.

Votes at a glance: House File 854 — Passed by roll call (recorded as 134 ayes, 0 nays).