Greene bridge renamed to honor local soldier
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State Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, said Tuesday that her bill naming a bridge in Greene County to honor the distinguished 36-year military career of Lt. Col. Cephus Lee Roupe of Waynesburg is heading to the governor for his signature.
“The House today sent the governor my House Bill 1972, which calls for the bridge on Route 18 over Fish Creek in Freeport Township to be named the Lieutenant Colonel Cephus Lee Roupe Memorial Bridge,” Snyder said. “Colonel Roupe’s service and devotion to our nation deserve this recognition.”
Snyder said Roupe, a native of Waynesburg, died March 2, 2012, after proudly and courageously serving his country in the U.S. Army for 36 years. His untimely death at age 54 came soon after he submitted his retirement papers to the Army.
“It is most gratifying that this tribute advances just days before Independence Day,” Snyder said. “The colonel’s sacrifices and service put him in the ranks of a true patriot, and the generations ahead should be reminded of what he did for each and every one of us in service to our nation.”
Snyder said Roupe began his Army career as an enlisted man and worked his way to the top. After receiving his aviation wings, Roupe received a direct commission to the Medical Service Corps and became qualified to operate numerous military aircraft.
“As a Master Army Aviator, Colonel Roupe was considered perhaps the most experienced Medical Service Corps aviator in the Army,” Snyder said. “He served expertly and proudly, wherever danger lurked.”
During his 36 years in the Army, Roupe saw combat duty in both the first and second Iraq wars. He also flew multiple missions in war-torn Bosnia and Afghanistan.
“He was a soldier’s soldier and someone we can all be proud of,” Snyder said. “His spirit of devotion and service is an inspiration.”
Snyder said her bill, which the governor is expected to sign, also includes language naming two bridges carrying Route 43 over Dunlap Creek in Luzerne Township, Fayette County, as the Fayette Expressway Completion Organization – FAECO – Bridges.
FAECO is the citizens group formed to build local support for the construction of a limited-access, four-lane highway through Fayette County.