State House approves bill to honor fallen soldier
HARRISBURG — The state House of Representatives voted unanimously Tuesday for a bill that would honor an Indiana County soldier killed in Afghan-istan, according to an announcement by state Rep. Dave Reed, R-Indiana.
House Bill 1410, if signed into law, would rename the interchange of routes 119 and 22 in Burrell Township in memory of Staff Sgt. Glen Stivison Jr.
Stivison, a native of Homer City and a graduate of Blairsville High School, was killed Oct. 15, 2009, when the vehicle in which he was riding hit an improvised explosive device near the Kandahar Bridge. He left behind his wife, Eyrn, and their children, William and Andrew.
“Staff Sergeant Stivison was an American hero,” Reed said in a news release. “I hope that this designation raises awareness of his sacrifice; it is the least we can do to salute his service to our nation.”
Stivison was highly decorated, having been awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart following his death. Over the course of his career, Stivison earned a variety of medals, including seven Army Achievement Medals, four Army Good Conduct Medals and two Overseas Service Ribbons.
The bill now goes to the state Senate for consideration.