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

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz today led the Michigan House of Representatives in approving plan to honor a Jackson-area Tuskegee Airman and Purple Heart recipient by renaming a portion of U.S. 127 in his memory.

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.

“While we can never truly repay the cost of Roosevelt Stiger’s service, we can honor it, and we can make sure his story is known by future generations,” Schmaltz said. “It is my hope that the 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Memorial Highway will serve as a permanent reminder of his courage and sacrifice.”

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 attention to his service.

“This bill was inspired by young people who recognized the importance of telling 2nd Lt. Stiger’s story,” Schmaltz said. “Their research and advocacy gave this effort life, and their respect for our local history is inspiring.

“It’s important to remember and honor those who fought for our freedom. When we drive this stretch of highway, we’ll all remember 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger.”

House Bill 4145 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.