Legislation Honoring Fallen Ohioans Passes Ohio House 

COLUMBUS—State Representative Richard Adams (R-Troy) today applauded the Ohio House of Representatives’ passage of House Bill 19, legislation that designates several memorial highways in honor of 10 Ohio heroes. 

House Bill 19 includes a provision to rename a portion of State Route 55 in Miami County—running in an easterly direction between the municipal corporations of Troy and Casstown—as the “Pfc. Jeffrey L. Rice Memorial Highway.” 

“I am pleased we can honor Jeff Rice for his sacrifice as he served our country in protecting freedom,” said Representative Adams. 

Pfc. Jeffrey Rice was a native of Troy who graduated from Troy High School in 2007 and from Upper Valley Career Center. He entered active duty in 2008 as a member of the 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade based out of Fort Hood. 

Pfc. Rice fought in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as a combat engineer who searched for improvised explosive devices. He volunteered for a second tour of duty in Afghanistan and, in July 2012, was killed in Kandahar at the age of 24. 

The portion of State Route 55 to be named in honor of Pfc. Rice is located near the family home and will be a reminder of his heroism and bravery. 

House Bill 19 passed unanimously and has been sent to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.