2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger would be recognized with memorial highway designation

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz today testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in support of her plan to rename a portion of U.S. 127 in Jackson County in honor of a local World War II hero.

Schmaltz, R-Jackson, sponsored House Bill 4145 to designate a one-mile stretch of U.S. 127 in Jackson County as the 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Memorial Highway, in memory of the Tuskegee Airman and Purple Heart recipient from the Jackson area. The proposed stretch of highway is between mile marker 39 and 40, near the I-94 interchange.

“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 was born in Tennessee in 1919 and moved to Jackson with his family as a young boy. He trained as a pilot through the Tuskegee Aviation Cadet program, graduating in 1944 and serving overseas with the 302nd Fighter Squadron. During a bomber escort mission over the Adriatic Sea on Oct. 7, 1944, he reported issues with his oxygen system. His aircraft was seen descending toward the water and he was never recovered, remaining listed as missing in action.

Schmaltz said the proposal has received strong local support and credited student researchers from the Heritage Center at Jackson College for uncovering Stiger’s story and bringing renewed attention to his service.

“These students have shown remarkable initiative and respect for our shared history,” Schmaltz said. “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 was approved by the committee with unanimous bipartisan support, advancing it to the full House for further consideration.