LCpl Steven J. Szymanski Memorial Highway

Steven with his Grandpa, James Marcoux

On October 21, 2014, LCpl Steven J. Szymanski, 24, of Midland, MI was killed while on
duty during a military training exercise as a result of faulty LAV equipment.  Steven
was with the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division.

Steven was born and raised in Midland.  He graduated from Midland high school in
2008.  He was a very kind and loving person and was someone that you could count
on when you needed help with something or advice.  Steven was full of energy –
always being goofy and trying to make everyone laugh and had a smile that was
contagious.   He enjoyed many outdoor activities and sports, but especially hunting
with his grandpa and being on a Midland softball team. 

As a child, he was interested in being a police officer and that interest continued into
high school.  His love for law enforcement led him to earn a degree in criminal justice. 
He was very determined to make a difference. 

Steven decided that he wanted to serve his country, so in September 2013 he
enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.  He worked hard to prepare for boot camp,
going on long runs with his dog and a backpack full of weights.  During boot camp,
he excelled in marksmanship which earned him the Expert Rifle Marksmanship
Medal.  He was promoted to Lance Corporal in June 2014.        

As a tribute to Steven, a bill is in process to enact an amendment to 2001 PA 142,
by adding section 1081 which reads “The portion of highway US-10 beginning at
the intersection with Jefferson Avenue and extending east to the intersection with
Bay City Road shall be known as “Marine Lance Corporal Steven J. Szymanski
Memorial Highway”.

The funds raised with this GoFundMe will be paying for the manufacture,
installation and maintenance of two signs -- one to be placed at each end of
the above stated sections of US-10 in Midland, Michigan.  

Please donate to help erect these signs as a lasting tribute to someone taken from
this world too soon while serving our Country.