Highway named for fallen soldier

In April of this year lawmakers discussed several bills aimed at honoring the sacrifices of local heroes through the renaming of highways and bridges.

The meeting highlighted the importance of commemorating individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and the nation.

One such proposal was Senate Bill 1369 which hoped to rename a road in Morris County as the Army Staff Sergeant Samuel T. Castle Memorial Highway.

Sergeant Castle was killed in action in May of 2005 by an improvised explosive device (IED) while on deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was 26 years old.

Castle was born in Linden and graduated from Hughes Springs High School in 1996.

The bill to rename part state Highway 11 was authored by state Sen. Bryan Hughes and Rep. Gary Vandeaver and unanimously passed the Senate and House of Representatives. Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill in May and it became law on Sept. 1.

A large crowd gathered to rename a portion of Texas Highway 11 and 49 in Morris County to the “Army Staff Sgt. Samuel T. Castle Memorial Highway” on that same day.

Two other servicemen, Lance Cpl. Darren E. Driggers and Private First- Class John Alexander Mattox, were also honored with a special presentation.

Hughes Springs resident Jason Spencer spearheaded the highway dedication with the help of several state and local leaders.

“We were fortunate to have these three young men swear to do just that. It is the noblest of causes because all gave some, but Alex, Darren, and Sam gave all,” Spencer remarked.

The American Legion Post 351 helped raise the money to purchase the highway memorial sign.

“Every time motorists travel that highway, they get to see that this community cares about honoring its soldiers and honoring its past. It’s a real tribute to the legacy of the Castle family,” said Cass County Judge Travis Ransom.

As time goes on more roads, bridges, parks and facilities will be named after fallen heroes with ties to local communities.

As these bills progress, they will likely continue to foster community pride and remembrance.