South Michigan News

State Representative Kathy Schmaltz has successfully led the Michigan House of Representatives in approving a plan to honor a local World War II hero. The proposal involves renaming a section of U.S. 127 in Jackson County after 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger, a Tuskegee Airman and Purple Heart recipient.

House Bill 4145, sponsored by Schmaltz, aims to designate a one-mile stretch of U.S. 127 as the 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Memorial Highway. This segment is located between mile markers 39 and 40, near the I-94 interchange.

“While we can never truly repay the cost of Roosevelt Stiger’s service, we can honor it, and we can make sure his story is known by future generations,” said Schmaltz. “It is my hope that the 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Memorial Highway will serve as a permanent reminder of his courage and sacrifice.”

Stiger was born in Tennessee in 1919 and moved to Jackson during his childhood. He trained as a pilot through the Tuskegee Aviation Cadet program and graduated in 1944 before serving with the 302nd Fighter Squadron overseas. During an escort mission over the Adriatic Sea on October 7, 1944, he experienced issues with his oxygen system; his aircraft was seen descending toward water but was never recovered.

Schmaltz noted strong local support for this initiative and credited student researchers from Jackson College's Heritage Center for uncovering Stiger’s story.

“This bill was inspired by young people who recognized the importance of telling 2nd Lt. Stiger’s story,” Schmaltz remarked. “Their research and advocacy gave this effort life, and their respect for our local history is inspiring."

The proposal now moves to the Senate for further consideration.