MADISON — Today, a bipartisan group of local legislators introduced a bill that would honor Corporal Benjamin H. Neal of Orfordville, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2012 during his second deployment in the U.S. Army. State Senators Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) and Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) and Representatives Ellen Schutt (R-Clinton), Clinton Anderson (D-Beloit), Jenna Jacobson (D-Oregon), and James Edming (R-Glen Flora) introduced LRB 1752, which would rename the stretch of Highway 11 between Orfordville and Footville as the Corporal Benjamin H. Neal Memorial Highway.

“As local legislators, we are privileged to have the opportunity to introduce this important bill to honor an extraordinary young man from our community,” said Sen. Mark Spreitzer.

Benjamin Neal graduated from Parkview High School in 2009, where he was active in Wrestling, FFA, and 4-H. He joined the U.S. Army in June 2009. 

On April 25, 2012, Corporal Neal died in Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province during his second deployment after his unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device. 

Cpl. Neal’s 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. 

As of today, LRB 1752 is circulating for cosponsorship among members of the legislature, who may sign onto this legislation by April 4.

Corporal Neal was the first person from Orfordville to die in combat since World War 1 according to the American Legion.

“Corporal Benjamin Neal is an Orfordville hero, a Wisconsin hero, and a national hero,” Rep. Anderson said. “I am proud to co-author this bill.”