ST. PAUL, MN — With unanimous support, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation authored by Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar) Thursday to designate a portion of Trunk Highway 23 in Kandiyohi County as the Sergeant Joshua A. Schmit Memorial Highway.
Sgt. Schmit, a Kandiyohi County native, proudly served in both the Minnesota National Guard and the United States Army. He was killed in action during his final mission in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“Josh Schmit gave his life serving the country he loved,” said Rep. Baker. “He was a brave soldier, a devoted son, and a proud Minnesotan. This highway designation is a lasting tribute to his sacrifice—and a way for our community to remember and honor his legacy.”
Josh enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard at age 17 and completed infantry training at Fort Benning. He later joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany, where he met and married Andrea, the love of his life. Just days after their wedding, Josh was recalled to active duty under stop-loss orders. He served as a lead Humvee commander, escorting convoys across Iraq.
He survived three roadside bombings before being killed by a massive IED near Fallujah—just days before he was scheduled to return home.
The bill, HF 854, designates signage to be installed along the stretch of Trunk Highway 23 to designate it as the Sergeant Joshua A. Schmit Memorial Highway.
Baker concluded, “Naming this highway in his honor ensures that Sgt. Schmit’s name, his courage, and his sacrifice are never forgotten—not by his community, not by this state, nor by the country he bravely served.”
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