South Michigan News

State Representative Kathy Schmaltz advocated for the renaming of a stretch of U.S. 127 in Jackson County, through her testimony before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The proposed renaming under House Bill 4145 honors 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger, a renowned World War II hero, Tuskegee Airman, and Purple Heart recipient from Jackson.

The bill seeks to dedicate a one-mile section between mile markers 39 and 40 on U.S. 127 as the 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Memorial Highway. This section is located near the I-94 interchange in Jackson County.

“It is a real privilege to advocate on behalf of a true American hero,” Schmaltz said. “2nd Lt. Stiger served our country with courage, broke barriers, and gave his life fighting for freedom. This memorial is a small but meaningful way we can ensure his legacy lives on in the community he once called home.”

Roosevelt Stiger, born in Tennessee in 1919, later moved to Jackson. He became a pilot through the Tuskegee Aviation Cadet program, graduating in 1944. He served with the 302nd Fighter Squadron. During a mission on October 7, 1944, over the Adriatic Sea, he encountered problems with his oxygen system. His aircraft was seen descending toward the water, and no recovery was made, leaving him classified as missing in action.

Schmaltz credits students from the Heritage Center at Jackson College for their research in reviving interest in Stiger's service, saying, “These students have shown remarkable initiative and respect for our shared history. Their work has helped shine a light on a Jackson native who made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s because of their efforts that this legislation has taken shape, and I’m incredibly grateful.”

House Bill 4145 has received unanimous bipartisan support from the committee and now progresses to the full House for further evaluation.