(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Jay Reedy (R-Erin) today joined with local leaders at a ceremony in Montgomery County to honor the families of fallen military heroes with the designation of “The Gold Star Families Memorial Highway.”
A section of State Route 149 in Montgomery County from its intersection with State Route 48/13 to the Stewart County line will now bear this extraordinary distinction.
A U.S. Army veteran, Representative Reedy sponsored an amendment to House Bill 1522 during the 2018 legislative session to support this designation as a way to recognize the families of the courageous men and women from his community who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.
“The creation of the Gold Star Families Memorial Highway is a small way that we can honor our brave heroes and their families for the remarkable sacrifices they have made so we can enjoy our many freedoms,” said Representative Reedy. “As a U.S. Army veteran, I was honored to support them and their families with the naming of this highway.”
In recent years, Representative Reedy has energetically fought for our brave military servicemen, women, and their loved ones. In 2017, Reedy led the charge to reduce the amount of property tax owed by veterans, eligible low-income elderly and disabled homeowners.
Additionally, he supported passage of the Tennessee STRONG (Support, Training, and Renewing Opportunity for National Guardsmen) Act. It establishes a four-year pilot program for eligible members of the Tennessee National Guard to receive a last-dollar tuition reimbursement toward a first-time bachelor’s degree.
These efforts earned Reedy an appointment from Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell to the Governor’s Council for Armed Forces, Veterans, and Their Families in 2017. The council is charged with facilitating collaboration and coordination of federal, state, and local organizations and members of the Tennessee General Assembly in order to strengthen the system of care for service members, veterans, and their families.
Jay Reedy serves as a member of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and Subcommittee, as well as the House Education Instruction & Programs Committee. He lives in Erin and represents House District 74, which includes all of Houston, Humphreys, and part of Montgomery Counties. He can be reached by email at Rep.Jay.Reedy@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-7098.