Route 16 closer to becoming memorial to Ben Bitner

Route 16 in Franklin County is closer to becoming a memorial to a Greencastle son who gave his life while in the service of his country.

The Pennsylvania Senate Tuesday approved a House Bill sponsored by Rep. Todd Rock (R-90) that designates the portion of Route 16 in Franklin County as the Master Sergeant Benjamin F. Bitner Memorial Highway. Master Sgt. Bitner was killed in action on April 23, 2011, while serving in the Kandahar Province in Afghanistan.

Also passed was a bill designating a portion of State Route 316 in Franklin County as the Staff Sergeant Richard J. Tieman Memorial Highway. Staff Sgt. Tieman, a Waynesboro native, was killed in action in Kabul, Afghanistan on May 17, 2010, during the deadliest attack on NATO forces that year.

“These bills ensure that the tremendous service and sacrifice of these men will be remembered and honored by future generations,” said Senator Richard Alloway II (R-33). “It was a pleasure to assist Representative Rock to get these bills to the governor's desk.”