STATEHOUSE (Sept. 6, 2024) – State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) yesterday presented a proposal to rename a local bridge over the Muscatatuck River in remembrance of U.S. Marine Corps. Lance Cpl. Jacky Ray Koenig Jr. of North Vernon during the Interim Study Committee on Roads and Transportation.
Koenig, 20, died during a training exercise on April 9, 2017, while deployed in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as a member of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267. Zimmerman would like to rename the bridge southeast of Vernon, which goes across the Muscatatuck River, after Koenig. The interim study committee is reviewing the proposal, which marks the first step in the bridge renaming process.
"Lance Corporal Koenig should not and will not be forgotten. He paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation and to help protect all the freedoms we enjoy," Zimmerman said. "Renaming this bridge that stretches over the Muscatatuck River, a place that he loved to go, would be a tremendous way to honor his sacrifice and his family's sacrifice."
Koenig enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps. in 2014 after graduating from Jennings County High School. In 2017, he was promoted to lance corporal, and also received the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon for his service.
Zimmerman said the Koenig grew up in North Vernon where he volunteered regularly to help remove litter from the Muscatatuck River. He also regularly ran along the banks of the river as a member of his high school's cross country team. Koenig also competed in track and field, participating in mud runs and becoming a member of the 1,000-pound weightlifting club.
If the interim study committee supports Zimmerman's proposal, he plans to file a formal resolution for consideration and adoption by the House and Senate during the 2025 legislative session. Once a renaming resolution passes through the Indiana General Assembly, the Indiana Department of Transportation can move forward with the project. To learn more about the road renaming request and watch the committee, go to iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) represents House District 67,
which includes portions of Decatur, Jefferson, Jennings and Ripley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) (seated foreground) testifies to the Interim Study Committee on Roads and Transportation on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis to rename a local road after U.S. Marine Corps. Lance Cpl. Jacky Ray Koenig Jr., who grew up in North Vernon and died in a training accident on April 9, 2017, while stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
