State Rep. Tom Kunse on Thursday celebrated the passage of legislation to rename a portion of US 131 near Big Rapids after Sergeant Matthew Webber, an army veteran. Webber passed away in 2006 after an IED attack in Iraq. House Bill 5635 passed the House with unanimous support.

After the accident, Webber survived 5 and a half months in a U.S. Hospital, where staff began calling him “Miracle Matt” because of how long he was able to keep fighting despite injuries.

“We can all stand to learn something from a heroic fighter like Sgt. Webber,” said Kunse, R-Clare. “The man was willing to sacrifice everything on our behalf. His dedication deserves recognition for years to come. This highway naming is a well-deserved honor for an American hero from Northern Michigan.”

Webber, who was from Stanwood, enlisted in the Army National Guard during his junior year of high school. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and assumed the role of squad leader. He signed up for the United States Army in 2000 and served until he passed in 2006. His service was recognized with the Purple Heart and Bronze Star awards. He also was posthumously awarded a degree from Western Michigan University.

The portion of US 131 was specifically chosen to include a section of the interstate that crosses the Muskegon River. Sgt. Webber’s family has a cabin along the river where he enjoyed kayaking.

The bill now moves on to the Senate for further consideration.

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