State DOT renames Route 137 in Westchester

POUND RIDGE, NY - On November 10, 1775 the Continental Marines were established by the Second Continental Congress. Now 240 years later, a portion of Route 137 in Pound Ridge will be renamed in honor of Marine Captain Eric A. Jones who was killed in action on October 26, 2009 during a helicopter collision in Afghanistan, as the result of a law sponsored by State Senator Terrence Murphy.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll today announced the ceremonial designation of the Marine Captain Eric A. Jones Memorial Highway on State Route 137 in the town of Pound Ridge, Westchester County, to honor Captain Jones, a Pound Ridge native, who died tragically on October 26, 2009 while deployed in Afghanistan.

"By designating Route 137 in honor of Captain Jones, Governor Cuomo and New Yorkers everywhere pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice. We are privileged to join with Captain Jones' family and friends in remembering this local hero," Commissioner Driscoll said. 

Captain Jones was known for his kindness and quick wit. He grew up in Pound Ridge, and was a 1999 graduate of Fox Lane High School in Bedford, where he swam competitively and played football. Captain Jones was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, the Third Marine Aircraft Wing, and the First Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton. He served two tours in Iraq before being deployed to Afghanistan where he was killed in a helicopter collision during a combat mission in the Helmand Province. He was 29.

NYSDOT installed two signs on State Route 137 noting the memorial designation, which runs from the intersection with Westchester Avenue to its terminus at the New York-Connecticut border. The signs were unveiled today at a dedication ceremony attended by Captain Jones' family and friends, as well as State and local officials. Legislation designating the memorial was sponsored by State Senator Terrence Murphy and Assemblyman David Buchwald and signed into law by Governor Cuomo.

"Marine Captain Eric Jones tragically died protecting our nation," Senator Murphy said. "This highway dedication is a small token of our appreciation, but more so, will serve as a strong reminder for all who drive on it that freedom isn't free. It is only fitting that on the 270th birthday of the Marine Corps that we gather together to pay tribute to our local hero and remember the brave men and women who continue to fight for us everyday."

"Marine Captain Eric A. Jones made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in 2009 while on a combat mission during Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan," the law's Assembly sponsor, Assemblyman David Buchwald said. "The valor and patriotism of our young local hero cannot and will not go unnoticed, and it is my privilege to stand with Captain Jones' family and honor his service to our country with this designation." 

Captain Jones' decorations included the Air Medal with gold numeral one, six Strike/Flight awards, and Combat Distinguishing Device, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal with two gold stars.