HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 83
(By Delegates Statler and Williams)
[Introduced March 13, 2017]
 
Requesting the Division of Highways to name bridge number 31-7-13.09 (31A005) (39.71883, ­80.21993), locally known as West Blacksville Bridge, carrying WV 7 over Dunkard Creek and Railroad in Monongalia County, the "U.S. Army SPC John R. Tennant Memorial Bridge."
Whereas, U.S. Army Specialist Fourth Class Electrician John R. Tennant was born on July 25, 1949, and raised near Daybrook. He was the son of an electrician and graduated from Clay-Battelle High School in 1966. Army Specialist Tennant was an active member of the choir, and an award-winning thespian; and
Whereas, Army Specialist Tennant worked in the field of construction until joining the United States Army in 1968, to show his dedication to his country during the Vietnam Conflict. Tennant served with Company D, 554th Engineer Battalion, 79th Engineer Group, 20th Engineer Brigade. He served as an electrician and his rank was Specialist Fourth Class; and
Whereas, Army Specialist Tennant was killed on February 26, 1969, by a massive rocket attack that struck the Cu Chi Base Camp which was then followed by a ground attack by sappers, also known as combat engineers. The sappers managed to destroy nine Chinook heavy lift helicopters. However, more than twenty enemy combatants were killed and several captured during the battle; and
Whereas, During his short time in the military, Army Specialist Tennant was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal for his dedication, hard work and commitment to his duties in the U.S. Army; and
Whereas, Army Specialist Tennant’s sacrifice for the nation was an important one. His efforts in the Vietnam War showed his passion for the country and his desire to protect communities like his own; and
Whereas, It is fitting and proper that U.S. Army Specialist Fourth Class Electrician John R. Tennant be honored by having this bridge named for a soldier who gave the ultimate sacrifice; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 31-7-13.09 (31A005) (39.71883, ­80.21993), locally known as West Blacksville Bridge, carrying WV 7 over Dunkard Creek and Railroad in Monongalia County, the "U.S. Army SPC John R. Tennant Memorial Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of the Division of Highways is hereby requested to erect signs at both ends of the bridge containing bold and prominent letters proclaiming the bridge the “U.S. Army SPC John R. Tennant Memorial Bridge”; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates, forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.

Blacksville Community Renames Bridges for Fallen Servicemen
Posted: May 29, 2017 5:50 PM EDT
Monday, May 29, 2017 5:50 PM EDT
Updated: May 29, 2017 6:27 PM EDT
“He was taken from us far too soon.”
Taken too soon, but not forgotten, Army Specialist John Randy Tennant and Marine Sergeant David Paul McCord will now forever be remembered with bridges bearing their names in Blacksville and Pentress.
“It’s a tremendous honor for our family,” said Todd Moore, nephew of John Randy Tennant. “It’s sad that it’s been 50 years and most of the immediate family has passed. I’m sure they’re in heaven smiling down on it today.”
“It means a lot,” said Betty Sanders, sister of David Paul McCord. “I mean after all these years it was kind of a shock when they called and told me they was gonna dedicate a bridge.”
The community came together for the ceremony, honoring those two men who lost their lives fighting in Vietnam, and recognizing all those who have bravely served.
“For this many people to show up and come out and to join in and to recognize, it’s a true testament to what they think of these two young men that gave their lives,” said Delegate Joe Statler, who helped with the re-naming of the two bridges.
Four Advanced Placement U.S. Government students at Clay-Battelle High School and their teacher also led the way with their research about the two servicemen.
“So many things just go overlooked in this community, but they need recognized,” said Morgan Darling, who just graduated from Clay-Battelle High School. “It was just very deserving and needed that a group of students recognize former students who gave their lives in service of our country.”
The students used Army and Marine Corps records to conduct their research. Since both men were alumni of CBHS, they also consulted their guidance counselor to find school records.
“I’m just so proud of them for being involved in such a worthy project,” said Carmen Starkey, who teaches the class at Clay-Battelle. “For their first hand experience with the legislative process and also just such a deserving community event that we could be a part of.”
Family members said Monday was both a proud and sad day, but took time to reminisce about their loved ones with members of the community.
“I was a young boy. I was only a young boy when John Randy was killed in service, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about him,” Moore said about his uncle.
“He was a good serviceman,” Sanders said of her brother.
As the road re-opened and cars continue to cross the bridge, the families hope the community remembers the sacrifice behind those names.
“That these young men were like the rest of us,” Delegate Statler said. “Had it been different circumstances and they lived, maybe they’d be here today. I just hope they take a couple of seconds and read those signs and know that they’d given their all.”