Senator Valesky Joins Family of Lance Cpl. Jeremy Lasher to Unveil Highway Signs in His Memory

ONEIDA, NY – A dedication ceremony was held Friday, August 30, at 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Route 365A and Stephens Street to unveil highway signs on Route 365A in the City of Oneida that designate the “LCpl. Jeremy Lasher Memorial Highway.” Lasher was killed July 23, 2009 in Afghanistan when the vehicle he was driving hit an improvised explosive device. He was 27.

Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) and Assemblyman William Magee (D-Nelson) sponsored legislation that created the designation. The bill was signed by Governor Cuomo on July 3, 2013. State Route 365A from its intersection with State Route 5 to its intersection with State Route 365 in the city of Oneida will be designated the “LCpl. Jeremy Lasher Memorial Highway.”

“Naming this highway after LCpl. Jeremy Lasher is symbolic of our collective gratitude for his service to our community and nation, and his ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms that are at the core of our democracy. I am honored to have played a small role in helping ensure LCpl Lasher will be remembered for generations to come,” Sen. Valesky said.

“Our family is very appreciative of the work of Senator Valesky's office and appreciates the work the state has done to install the signs as a memorial to Jeremy. We look forward to the dedication ceremony and being able to thank all the people who worked so hard on this project,” Jennifer Lasher, speaking for the family, said.” Jeremy had a huge impact on our community while growing up and through volunteering with the Verona Fire Department, and this will be a nice way for people to remember his service. Now others can reflect and remember his service and sacrifice as they drive this stretch of highway and see these signs, and be more than just a hero in the hearts of his family.”

“A life can never be repaid, but it can be honored,” U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna (R-Barneveld) said. “LCpl. Jeremy Lasher is not only our hometown hero, but an American hero. This commemoration won’t bring back a dedicated husband, father, son or brother, but it will forever honor his memory for all those who pass. On behalf of a grateful nation, we thank you, LCpl. Lasher.”

Assemblyman Bill Magee said: “By designating Route 365A in the City of Oneida, New York as the ‘Jeremy Lasher Memorial Highway’ we honor and pay tribute to the memory and sacrifice of LCpl. Jeremy S. Lasher, whose life was tragically and too soon taken in the Helmland province of Afghanistan in 2009 in the service of our country.” 

Lasher was born in Hamilton, N.Y. on November 12, 1981. He was active in sports such as Pop Warner Football and Little League. He graduated from Oneida High School in 2000 and married Andrea Wolcik in 2006. He was a member of the Verona Fire Department and enjoyed music, golfing, snowmobiling, landscaping and spending time with his family and friends.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps on October 10, 2006 and was serving his second tour of duty when he was killed. He is survived by his wife, Andrea, and their son, Caden; his mother and stepfather, Vicki and Scott Arnold; his sister Jennifer Lasher; brothers Daniel and Ryan, who is also a Marine; and half brothers Collin and Conner Lasher.