Cpl. Jared Verbeek's family and friends unveiled a new sign in Visalia on Saturday -- renaming the South Giddings overcrossing on Highway 198 after him. Verbeek was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan exactly three years ago. He left behind his parents, wife and young son.
Soon after Verbeek's death, his childhood friend -- Cpl. Andrew Macdonald -- reached out to Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway's office about naming a bridge after him. She authored legislation that ultimately led to Saturday's emotional ceremony.
"I just wanted to honor him and keep his memory alive, and this seemed like the best way to do it," said Macdonald.
"What it actually means to us as a family is that he'll never be forgotten; his name will always be out here in the community, and just as the Wounded Warriors always say, 'the worst thing you could ever do is forget those that have given so much,' and it's really special to us," said Travis Verbeek, Cpl. Jared Verbeek's father.
Cpl. Macdonald says other Valley troops who have made the ultimate sacrifice will also be honored with signs soon -- starting with Lance Cpl. Cristian Vasquez of Coalinga in August.