BILL NUMBER:  S4473A

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the highway law, in relation to
designating a portion of the state highway system in the town of
Hancock, county of Delaware as the "SSG Justin R. Whiting Memorial
Bridge"

 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :

Designates a portion of the state highway system in the town of
Hancock, county of Delaware as the "SSG Justin R. Whiting Memorial
Bridge".

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :

Section 1. Highway law amended by adding a new section 342-ddd:
Portion of the state highway system to be designated as the "SSG
Justin R. Whiting Memorial Bridge". The bridge of state route
ninety-seven, designated New York state bridge number 1035470, in the
town of Hancock, county of Delaware, shall be designated and known as
the "SSG Justin R. Whiting Memorial Bridge".

 JUSTIFICATION :

Justin R. Whiting was raised on a small family dairy farm located in
the Town of Hancock on State Route 97. After high school graduation,
              

Justin followed his calling and enlisted in the United States Army and
graduated from basic with three of the four awards given. Justin was
trained to be a track vehicle mechanic and stationed at Fort Hood,
Texas but after a year of service decided that he would like to do
something more and met with the Special Forces recruiters where he
qualified to go to selection. In 2001, Justin endured and passed the
rigorous training of a Special Forces Soldier and became a Special
Forces Green Beret in 2003 as a Medic.

Serving in two tours in Iraq as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant,
Justin was assigned to Company B, 3rd Battalion and 5th Special Forces
Group (Airborne) stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he wanted
to continue his service but it was not needed and he was sent home to
pursue his dream of logging. Missing his time as a Soldier, he
re-enlisted in the spring of 2007 and was able to get back on the same
team, a rarity for Special Forces Soldiers. In October of 2007, Justin
left for his third tour to Iraq with his younger brother who followed
in his footsteps and became a Green Beret.

On January 19, 2008, Justin had breakfast with brother since they have
not seen each other since they arrived in Iraq. Shortly after,
Justin's Humvee he was driving hit an IED killing him instantly.

SSG Justin R. Whiting earned the following awards: two Bronze Star
Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals,
two Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National
Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development
Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Medical Badge, Parachutist Badge,
and the Special Forces Tab.

It is with great honor that I along with the Town of Hancock request
that a portion of the state highway system be designated as the "SSG
Justin R. Whiting Memorial Bridge" to pay tribute to Justin R.
Whiting, a hero who sacrificed his life serving our Country.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

New bill.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

To be determined.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
Immediately.