Senate committee advances bill to name Highway 37 bridge for Staff Sergeant Arthur J. Rambo

The Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee on its first committee day advanced Senate Bill 59, which would designate the Highway 37 bridge over the Kootenai River in Lincoln County in memory of Staff Sergeant Arthur J. Rambo.

Senator Mike Cuff, sponsor of SB 59, told the committee the measure honors a Libby native who "served his country, served his community, served his state" and urged a swift floor vote. "This is a chance for us all to do a very special thing," Cuff said as he asked the panel to move the bill forward.

Supporters who testified included veterans and local residents who recounted Rambo’s life, military service and the family’s losses. Bill Crews, commander of VFW Post 1548 in Libby, said of Rambo: "He made the ultimate sacrifice, and he deserves this." Keith Kidwell, senior vice commander of the post, told the committee he had gathered substantial community support, saying he received more than 700 letters of approval for the designation.

Family members and acquaintances described Rambo’s academic and musical achievements and his decision to serve despite draft deferment opportunities. Mandy Rambo, speaking in a personal capacity though she serves as deputy director at the Montana Department of Commerce, read excerpts from Rambo’s widow and others describing his character and asked the committee to memorialize him at the bridge crossing.

Chris Dorrington, director of the Montana Department of Transportation, appeared as an informational witness and discussed the fiscal note. Dorrington told senators that while an earlier estimate showed $9,000, DOT’s internal numbers put the direct cost of the memorial at about $6,000 and "we are going to absorb the cost of the memorial." The director said no legislative appropriation would be required for the plaque installation.

Major General J. Peter Hronik, Adjutant General and director of the Department of Military Affairs, provided informational context on the Silver Star decoration awarded posthumously to Rambo for actions on Nov. 26, 1969, describing the medal’s vetting and approval process and affirming the record of the award.

Committee members asked logistical and fiscal questions; Senator Olson asked whether proponents’ letters would be submitted to the public record and the sponsor confirmed the committee staff had compiled the submissions. Senator Weber queried the fiscal note and accepted DOT’s confirmation that the agency would absorb memorial costs.

After public and informational testimony and brief questioning, Vice Chair Russ Temple moved SB 59 to executive action. The committee voted by voice, with proxies recorded, and the chair announced a unanimous "do pass" (committee record indicated 13 present, one excused). The committee completed executive action and adjourned for the day.

If enacted, SB 59 would authorize a commemorative designation for the bridge to honor Staff Sergeant Arthur J. Rambo and preserve his memory for local residents and travelers. The bill was expected to be placed on the Senate floor agenda the next day per the sponsor’s closing remarks.

Sources: testimony and remarks on the record to the Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee, including Senator Mike Cuff (sponsor), Bill Crews (VFW), Keith Kidwell (VFW), Mandy Rambo (family, speaking in personal capacity), Chris Dorrington (Montana Department of Transportation), and Major General J. Peter Hronik (Montana National Guard).