Legislation Would Honor Slain Soldier
SACRAMENTO – The State Assembly today passed legislation by Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway honoring Visalia native Corporal Jared Verbeek, who lost his life last June while defending our nation’s freedom. Conway’s Assembly Concurrent Resolution 129 would designate the South Giddings Avenue overcrossing on Highway 198 as the Corporal Jared Verbeek Memorial Overcrossing.
“Thanks to my Assembly colleagues, we are one step closer to making a memorial in honor of Corporal Verbeek a reality,” said Conway. “Naming a public road after a hometown hero who gave his life for our country is one way we can remind future generations of his sacrifice. It would serve as a simple yet profound reminder that the freedoms we cherish are not free.”
Cpl. Verbeek was born on May 23, 1989, to Travis and Rosalia Verbeek. He maintained a high grade point average in high school while working for the Tulare County Sheriff’s office in the background investigations and training division. At night, he attended Congressman Devin Nunes’ military academy to learn more about becoming a commissioned officer. Cpl. Verbeek was selected for a Congressional appointment to Annapolis Naval Academy, but chose to enlist immediately after graduating from high school.
His sister introduced him to his wife, Vanessa Salazar. In December 2008, Vanessa and Cpl. Verbeek had a son, Jacob. On March 17, 2011, Cpl. Verbeek was deployed to Afghanistan. He died June 21, 2011, from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations. Cpl. Verbeek received numerous service awards including a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
The idea for naming a roadway after Cpl. Verbeek came from local military service members including last year’s Assembly District 34 Veteran of the Year, Cpl. Andrew MacDonald.
Private donations would cover the costs for memorial signs posted at the overcrossing. ACR 129 will now move to the State Senate for its consideration.
