Committee Substitute
for
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 63
(By Delegate Adkins)
[Originating in the Committee on Energy and Public Works; Reported on March 13, 2025]
Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 34-001/00-006.32 (34A002), at Latitude 38.5011610265538, Longitude -80.7633140291533, and locally known as Birch River Bridge, carrying Widen Dille Road over Birch River in Nicholas County, the "U.S. Army Spec 4 Gary W. Spinks Memorial Bridge".
Whereas, Gary W. Spinks was born on September 17, 1948 to G. Sherman Spinks and Flossie Canfield Spinks in Summersville, WV, and was one four children; and
Whereas, Specialist Spinks entered the United States Army in 1969 and became an infantryman. He was assigned to the 11th Light Infantry Brigade as part of the 23rd Infantry Division, also known as the Americal Division, as it fought in the Quang Tin and Quang Ngai Provinces of Vietnam. During this period, Specialist Spinks' unit would face an inordinate number of boobytraps, mines and snipers. While in Vietnam, Specialist Spinks distinguished himself, earning a Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Campaign Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Ribbon, and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Special Spinks unit was also awarded a Presidential Unit Citation. He would serve two tours of duty with the Americal Division, leaving Vietnam on August 15, 1970, and receiving an Honorable Discharge shortly thereafter; and
Whereas, Specialist Spinks drove a coal truck for Kenton Meadows after he returned from Vietnam for as long as Specialist Spinks's health allowed him to work, resolutely fighting COPD from exposure to Agent Orange and PTSD from his time in combat; and
Whereas, Mr. Spinks shared his life with Barbara Martin Spinks for 22 years, and they married in 2021. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed building and tinkering, repairing just about anything; and
Whereas, On October 24, 2023, Mr. Spinks passed away, leaving behind his widow Barbara, his brothers Paul Spinks and Darrell Spinks, his sister Patricia Spinks, and Jason Stilwell and Danielle Cobb, who were like a son and daughter to him; and
Whereas, Specialist Spinks's widow has requested the Birch River Bridge be named for her late husband so that she can see his memorial every time she drives to Birch River; and
Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Specialist Gary W. Spinks and his/her contributions to our state and country; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 34-001/00-006.32 (34A002), at Latitude 38.5011610265538, Longitude -80.7633140291533, and locally known as Birch River Bridge, carrying Widen Dille Road over Birch River in Nicholas County, the "U.S. Army Spec 4 Gary W. Spinks Memorial Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the "U.S. Army Spec 4 Gary W. Spinks Memorial Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.