In the near future, I will be reintroducing legislation designating a part of Waltz Mill Road in South Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County as the PFC Earl “Butch” Long Memorial Highway.

Earl “Butch” Long was born in Ruffs Dale, Pennsylvania on March 8, 1947. PFC Long enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. During the war, he served as 11B-infantryman in B troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment. He started his tour on June 19, 1967.

On August 15, 1967, PFC Long was a passenger in an Armored Personnel Carrier on a combat operation when the vehicle hit a hostile mine. He was killed on August 15, 1967 in Phuoc Long, South Vietnam by a hostile explosive device. He was 20 years old. Private First-Class Long was laid to rest at Westmoreland County Memorial Park in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA.

For his meritorious service, Private First-Class Long was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

This is a reintroduction of HB 2522, prior cosponsors include: Bernstine, Cook, Flick, Gillen, Heffley, Kauffman and Schmitt.

Please consider co-sponsoring this legislation and join me in honoring Private First-Class Earl “Butch” Long for his service and ultimate sacrifice.

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