ORFORDVILLE — Gov. Tony Evers Monday, at a bill signing event with the bill authors, local officials, and communities in Orfordville, signed Senate Bill 223, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 215, designating a portion of State Trunk Highway 11 in South Central Wisconsin as the “Corporal Benjamin H. Neal Memorial Highway.”

“A decorated war hero, Corporal Benjamin H. Neal exemplified the very best of us—showing courage in the face of danger and unwavering commitment to the well-being and safety of our nation,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m proud this bill garnered bipartisan support and we’re able to commemorate his bravery and commitment to our state and nation through this memorial highway.”

Corporal Benjamin H. Neal was a graduate of Parkview High School and a proud member of the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. His military honors include the Purple Heart, NATO Medal, the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. On April 25, 2012, Corporal Benjamin H. Neal died from injuries caused by an improvised explosive device during Operation Enduring Freedom in Zharay, Kandahar Province in Afghanistan.

Senate Bill 223, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 215:

• Designates a portion of State Trunk Highway 11 in South Central Wisconsin as the Corporal Benjamin H. Neal Memorial Highway.