Section 7. Sgt. Andrew J. "AJ" Baddick Memorial Bridge.
(a) Findings.--The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:
(1) Sgt. Andrew J. "AJ" Baddick was a native of Jim Thorpe, Carbon County, and a 1997 graduate of Jim Thorpe Area Senior High School.
(2) Sgt. Baddick enlisted in the United States Army in 1999 and graduated from Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia, on February 14, 2001.
(3) Later that same year, Sgt. Baddick reenlisted in the United States Army for six years.
(4) In 2002, Sgt. Baddick was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service while assigned as a Dismounted Infantryman in recognition of loyalty and commitment to excellence.
(5) Later that same year, Sgt. Baddick was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
(6) Sgt. Baddick received the Soldier's Medal which is awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Army, distinguishes himself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.
(7) Sgt. Baddick was honorably serving his country while on active duty in Iraq on September 29, 2003, when he gave his life attempting to rescue a fellow soldier from a submerged military vehicle.
(8) Sgt. Baddick, beloved son of Ann Callen Baddick and Joseph Baddick, was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star.
(b) Designation.--The bridge to be constructed on State Route 903 over the Lehigh River in Jim Thorpe Borough, Carbon County, is hereby designated the Sgt. Andrew J. "AJ" Baddick Memorial Bridge.
(c) Signs.--The Department of Transportation shall erect and maintain appropriate signs displaying the name of the bridge to traffic in both directions on the bridge.