New Peshtigo bridge named after young soldier

CREATED May. 27, 2012

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PESHTIGO - A new highway bridge in Peshtigo carries the name of a young soldier from the area killed in Afghanistan in 2009.

Private First Class Steven Drees of Peshtigo had only been inAfghanistan for a few weeks when he was injured in a June 2009 attack. The 19-year-old died a few days later.

Community members petitioned local lawmakers to name the new bridge across Highway 41 in honor of Drees. His parents were on hand Saturday for a dedication. They've started a foundation in his name that has sent more than 7,000 care packages to soldiers overseas.

Other Wisconsin bridges have been named in honor of U.S. soldiers killed serving abroad.