Bridge Dedication Set for Aug. 8 for Local War Hero
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Mike Hanna (D-Clinton/Centre) will host a bridge dedication ceremony in Mill Hall next week for U.S. Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer David M. Collins.
The dedication will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8 at the junction of state Route 150 and state Route 64 over Fishing Creek, in Mill Hall in the grassy area near the Creekside Restaurant. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held at the Bland J. Rossman VFW Post #1630 in the John J. Russo Hall of Honor, 1110 E. Water St., Lock Haven.
“I’m more than proud to honor this local veteran for the sacrifices he made for his family and country,” Hanna said. “The dedication of the U.S. Navy SOC David M. Collins Veterans Memorial Bridge is a small way of showing Collins’ family how grateful we all are for his honorable and distinguished service in the U.S. Armed Forces.”
Collins, a Lock Haven native, was a decorated war veteran and former Navy SEAL, serving in Operation Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Collins retired from naval service in September 2012. He died in March 2014 as a result of a traumatic brain injury and chronic traumatic encephalopathy suffered in combat.
During his time in the U.S. Navy, Collins was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations. In 2005, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal – the fourth-highest military decoration for valor – for his meritorious service in connection with combat operations as primary tactical shift leader for the protective security detail for the Interim Prime Minister of Iraq. In this position, Collins reportedly directed the safe execution of over 300 high-risk movements throughout Iraq and parts of the Middle East.
