Friday, June 22, 2001
|
Friday, June 22, 2001 |
|
Senoia names bridge for war victim By JOHN
THOMPSON
Senoia's connection to Peachtree City and Interstate 85 has a name. By a unanimous vote, the Senoia City Council approved naming the bridge on Rockaway Road after Robert Edward Couch. Couch was killed during the Vietnam War and is believed to be the only Senoia resident ever killed in any war. Couch was a sergeant and served in the 101st Airborne Division. He was 19 years old when he was killed and served less than one year in the Army. His tour of duty began Aug. 25, 1968 and he was listed as a casualty Dec. 30, 1968 in Thua Thien, South Vietnam. His body was recovered and he is buried in Senoia Cemetery. During his brief tenure, Couch was awarded several medals including two from the Republic of South Vietnam: the National Defense Medal, sharpshooter, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Silver Star. His parents, Vance and Eleanor Couch of Senoia, and brother Barry Couch and wife Robin still live in Senoia. After the vote, Mayor Joan Trammell said a sign would be placed on the bridge soon to inform residents of the new name. Later in the year, Trammell hopes to have a ceremony with an official dedication of the bridge and a plaque to commemorate Couch's sacrifice for his country. When the council approved the name, Robin Couch's eyes teared up and she said the family would be more than happy to deal with the council in setting up the ceremony.
|
||