In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation designating the bridge carrying Pennsylvania Route 45 over Elk Creek in Millheim Borough, Centre County, as the Lt. Col. Kenneth D. Royer Memorial Bridge.
 
Kenneth D. Royer was born October 2, 1933, in Centre Hall. Lt. Col. Royer attended East Penns Valley High School. After high school, he attended a business school in Harrisburg. Outside of work, Lt. Col. Royer was a member of the Millheim Lions Club, the Salem United Church of Christ in Spring Mills, the Elks Club in Boalsburg and an active member of the American Legion Keystone Post #444 in Millheim where he held the positions of Commander, Duty Commander, Adjutant and Chaplain. Lt. Col. Royer was a supporter of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's high school activities. He enjoyed bowling, playing pool, attending Penn State football games with his wife and family and attending Grange Fair where they had a family tent since 1973. Lt. Col. Royer joined the United States Air Force, serving as a Lieutenant Colonel, B-52 Radar Navigator, at many bases in the United States and overseas. Lt. Col. Royer received the Citation to accompany the award of the United States of America Distinguished Flying Cross - B-52 Radar Navigator over Southeast Asia on April 4, 1972. While flying a critical bombing mission against a high-priority target, Lt. Col. Royer's aircraft encountered hostile fire immediately after making a successful weapons release. During the attack, Lt. Col. Royer constantly kept his pilot advised of missile detonations and other aircraft positions, thereby dramatically assisting in the safe recovery of all aircraft and crews. Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth D. Royer passed away on October 11, 2024, at Mount Nittany Hospital, State College.
 
Please join me in sponsoring this important legislation, honoring the service of Lt. Col. Kenneth D. Royer.