2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger, Tuskegee Airman, deserves lasting recognition

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz is reigniting her effort to honor a Jackson County military hero by renaming a portion of U.S. 127 in his memory.

Schmaltz, R-Jackson, reintroduced legislation this week to designate a one-mile stretch of U.S. 127 as the 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Highway, paying tribute to the Tuskegee Airman and Purple Heart recipient from the Jackson area.

“Honoring 2nd Lt. Stiger with this designation ensures that his courage and sacrifice are never forgotten,” Schmaltz said. “His story is an important part of our nation’s history, and this tribute would serve as a reminder of the bravery and resilience he displayed in service to our country.”

Born in Tennessee in 1919, Roosevelt Stiger moved with his family to Jackson, Michigan, as a young boy. He went on to train as a pilot through the Tuskegee Aviation Cadet program, graduating in 1944 and deploying to Italy with the 302nd Fighter Squadron. On Oct. 7, 1944, he was flying a bomber escort mission over the Adriatic Sea when he reported oxygen issues. His aircraft was seen plummeting toward the water, and he remains classified as missing in action.

Schmaltz’s renewed proposal, House Bill 4145, would rename U.S. 127 from mile marker 39 to 40 — a stretch near the I-94 interchange — as the 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Highway.

“2nd Lt. Stiger gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, and his bravery and dedication paved the way for future servicemen and women,” Schmaltz said. “It is only fitting that we commemorate his legacy in the community he once called home.”

Schmaltz credited the student volunteers at the Heritage Center at Jackson College for bringing Stiger’s story to the forefront.

“These students do research to bring attention to historical figures who shaped our community,” Schmaltz said. “They do an incredible job, and I applaud their dedication to uncovering and teaching us all about people like 2nd Lt. Stiger and others who contributed so much to our community.”

The bill has been referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for consideration.

###