SPC Brian Botello Memorial Highway signage

Specialist Brian Botello, 19, of Alta, Iowa; assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado; died April 29, 2007 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations.

SPC Brian Botello Memorial Highway signage (sample pictured above) is for IA Highway 7 from IA Highway 3 to US Highway 71 (see map below). This 19-mile stretch of IA 7 makes for a fitting memorial highway in honor of SPC Botello, who was 19 at the time of his death. This memorial highway route would include seven signs; two each at the corporate city limits of Aurelia, Alta, and Storm Lake on IA 7; and one just south of the intersection of IA 3 and IA 7. The cost of the signs, to include the posts and hardware for installation, is approximately $550 per sign.

SPC Brian Botello Memorial Highway signage would serve as a lasting tribute to SPC Botello’s selfless service to and supreme sacrifice for the nation, the sobering sacrifice of his surviving family, and the solemn pride of his home community. Your donations of any amount will make this a reality.

President Calvin Coolidge once said, “The nation that forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” Memorial highway signage in honor of SPC Brian Botello would be a fitting way to ensure that he is not forgotten.

On behalf of SPC Brian Botello's family,

Cory Van Sloten

Army Survivor Outreach Services

Western Iowa Support Coordinator

Strategic Resources, Inc. Contractor

IAARNG Readiness Center

3200 2nd Mech Drive

Sioux City, IA 51111