ROBESONIA – Local legislators and community residents will gather in Berks County on Friday at 7 p.m. to honor a local POW-MIA with the designation of a portion of State Route 3033 as the Captain David Eric Pannabecker POW-MIA Memorial Highway.
Governor Corbett signed legislation into law to designate this portion of State Route 3033 on May 29. The bill, Senate Bill 1395, was introduced by Berks County’s four State Senators in memory of Capt. Pannabecker after a suggestion by local residents.
The six-mile stretch of roadway runs through Robesonia Borough and Heidelberg, North Heidelberg and Penn Townships in Berks County.
Captain Pannabecker went missing after his aircraft, the “Super Jolly Green Giant,” a heavy lift helicopter, went down in Cambodia while on a day rescue mission on March 27, 1972.
“Captain Pannabecker’s service, like all veterans, should not be forgotten. This road dedication is a small token of our region’s gratitude for those serve our nation with honor and distinction,” said State Sen. David G. Argall, R-Schuylkill, who sponsored the legislation after suggestions by local residents and is attending the ceremony.
Other officials scheduled to attend are U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach, R-Chester, Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks, and State Reps. Mark Gillen, R-Berks, and Thomas Caltagirone, D-Berks. Members of the Pannabecker family and a Color Guard from Easton will also be present at the ceremony.
The event is sponsored by the Patriotic Order Sons of American – Bernville Camp 113.
Parking will be available on the Bernville Road that night. Those attending must enter the Bernville Road from Route 422. The event will take place near W. Maple Avenue. A social will be held at Ozgood’s immediately following the program.
Contact: Jon Hopcraft
(717) 787-2637
(570) 773-0891