In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation designating a bridge in Allegheny Township, Cambria County, as the Technician 5th Grade Bernard C. Strohmier Memorial Bridge.

Bernard C. Strohmier was born on April 9, 1924, in Loretto Pennsylvania. He was raised on a farm between Chest Springs and Loretto. Bernard attended St. Monica Catholic School before entering the service. Bernard entered the Army on March 13, 1943, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He was assigned to Germany in October 1944. While defending Parker’s Crossroads during the Battle of the Bulge, Bernard was taken prisoner on December 24th, 1944. Bernard was processed through several German camps including Prum, Gerolstein and Trier. During this time, he experienced extreme malnutrition, dehydration, dysentery and exposure to cold. After liberation, Bernard spent over one year in treatment and had lost 75 lbs. during his internment, weighing 90 lbs. on liberation. After returning from service, Bernard worked as a Guard at the Cambria County Prison and then as a rural Mail Carrier, retiring in 1979. Bernard C. Strohmier passed away at home in Loretto, Pennsylvania on October 10, 2021.

Please consider joining me in cosponsoring this important legislation, honoring Technician 5th Grade Bernard C. Strohmier Memorial Bridge. dedication and commitment to service.