In November, the Daily Press reported (in an article entitled “Highway in Spalding Township to be named for fallen soldier”) that Michigan House Representatives Dave Prestin, Karl Bohnak and Greg Markkanen had in April introduced Michigan House Bill No. 4351, which successfully — and unanimously — passed the House in autumn. The bill would designate seven-and-a-half miles of highway near Powers, Spalding and Carney as “SPC David Anthony Wilkey Jr. Memorial Highway.”

Next steps are for the bill to be approved by the Michigan Senate and for funds towards signage replacement to be collected from private donors and passed on the the Department of Transportation. Governmental funds are not allowed to be dedicated towards memorial renaming.

Locals were inspired upon learning of the proposal to give the highway Wilkey’s name. After reading the article in the newspaper, one party in particular reached out asking how they could donate. Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association 35-1 reportedly voted to contribute funds towards the signs to rename the span after Wilkey.

A handful of years ago, the bridge spanning the Escanaba River on U.S. 2 in Wells Township was renamed “Senator Tom Casperson Memorial Bridge.” After the corresponding legislation passed the Michigan Senate in December 2020, the Delta Chamber of Commerce helped with fundraising efforts and paid the Department of Transportation in March of 2021 for new signage at the bridge, said Chamber Executive Director Vickie Micheau.

Funding for this sign designating the bridge over the Escanaba River in Wells Township was supplied by private donors and coordinated with the Delta County Chamber of Commerce. The bridge was renamed in memoriam in 2021. Another similar memorial is currently being sought in Spalding Township, where residents want to name a section of highway in honor of a local solider killed in Iraq. (R. R. Branstrom)

“The sign expense for fabrication and installation was covered from donations with an extra $1,000 set aside in a restricted fund for future sign maintenance,” Micheau said.

A ceremony for the newly-rechristened Tom Casperson Memorial Bridge took place in June 2021.

When asked how residents could contribute for the similar project in Spalding Township, Michigan House Republicans Communications Advisor Luke Froncheck got in touch with the relevant parties and relayed that Rich Severson — described as “a local veteran and friend of the family who contacted Rep. Prestin about introducing the legislation” — had helped in setting up an account at Integra First Federal Credit Union in Powers, where donations may be sent to fund the future renaming of the roadway for Wilkey.

The address for Integra First Federal Credit Union is P.O. Box 604, Powers, Mich., 49874.

“Checks MUST be made out to Integra First Credit Union and then ‘ATTN: David Anthony Wilkey Memorial Fund’ in the memo line,” wrote Severson.

However, citizens must keep in mind that there’s one more element to be accomplished: the Michigan House has yet to pass the bill.

“Readers could send respectful emails, letters, or calls to Senator (Veronica) Klinefelt and encourage her to give the bill a hearing,” Froncheck suggested.

If it passes, the bill would technically amend Public Act 142 of 2001, the Michigan Memorial Highway Act, by adding another section.

The man to be honored, Wilkey, had been born in Norway, Mich. in 1984 and grew up in Wilson before moving to Indiana. In December 2005, he married the former Melinda Clark, and in January 2006, he entered the U.S. Army. At Fort Riley, Kan., he was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment; on Feb. 18, 2007, he joined the Multi-National Corps in Iraq.

Wilkey died June 18, 2007, at age 22 from wounds suffered the previous day when a roadside bomb blew up near his unit in Baghdad, the Pentagon said at the time. He left behind a wife, two children and an unborn child in addition to his parents, siblings, and other relatives.

After his death, Wilkey was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice. He is buried in Spalding Township Cemetery.