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Pavliga's 'CPL Benjamin C. Dillon Memorial Highway' Bill Passes Ohio House

The legislation honors fallen Portage County hero
June 24, 2021
Gail K. Pavliga News

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COLUMBUS – State Rep. Gail Pavliga (R-Portage County) announces Sub. House Bill 291, that includes several road-naming bills, passed within the Ohio House. The bill includes Pavliga’s House Bill 25 to designate a portion of Interstate Route 76 in Portage County as the "CPL Benjamin C. Dillon Memorial Highway."

“To say CPL Dillon was an honored and decorated veteran is an understatement,” said Pavliga. “He served our country with great honor.”

CPL Dillon graduated from the Ranger Indoctrination Program in March of 2005, after enlisting into the Army in 2004. He served in the 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifleman, grenadier, automatic rifleman, machine gunner, and gun team leader. CPL Dillon was tragically killed in action back in October 2007.

CPL Dillon’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal 2nd award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Army Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. He was also posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with V Device for Valor, the Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal.

CPL Dillon was a distinguished member of Portage County who often volunteered within his community of Edinburg. He helped with the groundbreaking work to establish Edinburg Township Park, which has walking trails, baseball, soccer and football fields, playgrounds, and concession stands. At Southeast High School he played baseball, basketball, and golf. CPL Dillon helped maintain the parks grounds and umpired there in high school.

Sub. House Bill 291 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.