Jul. 25, 2018
FOGELSVILLE – Family, friends, military colleagues and the Lehigh Valley community remembered Capt. Mark T. Resh as a section of Route 100 in Fogelsville was ceremonially dedicated in his memory on Saturday, July 15, said Rep. Gary Day (R-Lehigh/Berks), who sponsored the original legislation calling for the highway honor.
“It is with a heavy but proud heart that we gather here today to dedicate this roadway in the memory of a fine Army officer from here in Lehigh County,” Day said. “We honor Capt. Resh’s commitment to his country and pay tribute to a proud son who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. His promise, courage and sacrifice in defending our country should never be forgotten, and this roadway designation in his memory is an appropriate way to ensure that his legacy lives on for future generations.”
In making the highway designation possible, Day sponsored
House Bill 181, which was amended into Act 73 of 2017. Specifically, the Capt. Mark T. Resh Highway stretches from the intersection of Main Street and Tilghman Street in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, to the intersection of Claussville Road and Kernsville Road in Lowhill Township.
On hand for the ceremony were numerous family members, including his parents, Charles T. Resh and Carol A. (White) Resh; his brother, Matthew E. Resh of Richmond, Illinois; his grandmother, Nancy Weiner of Whitehall; his aunt, Marian Piefley; his uncles, David Resh and Craig White; and his nephews, Keller Resh and Kevin Resh.
Resh served as an Apache helicopter pilot with the U.S. Army in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was assigned to the 4th Attack Recon Battalion 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Air Division. He bravely piloted his helicopter to support the coalition ground forces until his aircraft was struck by enemy fire and crashed on Jan. 28, 2007. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action.
Resh had a long history with the U.S. Army. Commissioned in May 2001, he was stationed in Germany and deployed in Iraq from May 2003 to July 2004. He deployed for a second time in October 2006.
Before his military service, Resh was a 1996 graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, Math Club, Student Council and captain of the varsity soccer team in his senior year. He went on to the University of Pittsburgh, and graduated summa cum laude, earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering in 2001. He was also an Eagle Scout with Troop 72 of Fogelsville.
From an early age, Resh distinguished himself as a leader. He took his leadership skills to college and then into the military, where he served two tours of duty.
“We will forever remember Mark’s bravery, his willingness to say goodbye to family and friends and his commitment to our country. Mark was and continues to be a true patriot, not just during his days on earth but as he watches down over all of us,” Day added.
Representative Gary Day
187th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Keaton
717.705.2094
jkeaton@pahousegop.com
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