A public dedication ceremony is taking place this Friday with special designations in Greene County for two fallen military soldiers.

Greene County Veterans Affairs Director Michael Bierl says the Army Survivor Outreach Service approached the families of Captain Matthew Nielson and Lance Corporal Benjamin Carman, who both lost their lives defending our country, about having two areas in Greene County dedicated in their memories. 

“There was a fundraiser set because there was a cost of $2,875 to make and install those signs. So we really didn’t feel that it was appropriate for the families to pay for that. The American Legion and the VFW (both of Jefferson) approached the businesses in the community and they were very gracious in making the donations to reach that (goal). And they went above and beyond actually, and those funds are going to support Greene County Honor Flight attendees that are coming up. So it was very nice of them (the businesses) to do.”    

Bierl points out the North Raccoon River bridge, west of Jefferson on US Highway 30, will be designated as the Captain Matthew Nielson Memorial Bridge, and Iowa Highway 4, between Iowa Highway 141 and US Highway 30 will be the Lance Corporal Benjamin Carman Memorial Highway. 

The ceremony takes place at 10am on Friday at the Department of Transportation garage in Jefferson, at 610 North Pinet Street. Bierl adds the signs will be installed that afternoon.