Assemblyman Joe Patterson and Senator Roger Niello joined the family of Sergeant Nicole Gee in Roseville to witness the installation of memorial highway signs along Interstate 80. The signs honor Sgt. Gee, a Roseville native who enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2017 and was killed during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan at Kabul International Airport on August 26, 2021.
Sgt. Gee’s death occurred during a suicide bombing that also claimed the lives of 12 other service members. Before her death, she posted a photo holding an Afghan baby with the caption, “I love my job.” This image has since become widely recognized.
To commemorate her service, Assemblyman Patterson and Senator Niello authored Assembly Concurrent Resolution 126 last year. The resolution designates a portion of Interstate 80 in Placer County as the Sergeant Nicole Gee United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway. It received unanimous support from both legislative chambers, after which Caltrans worked with lawmakers to install signs on this busy stretch of road.
The California Department of Transportation’s District 3 staff were acknowledged for their prompt work in preparing and installing the memorial signs ahead of the four-year anniversary of Sgt. Gee’s death on August 26.
During the event, Patterson and Niello presented Sgt. Gee’s family with a framed copy of the signed legislation naming the highway section in her honor and accompanied them to view one of the new signs over Interstate 80/Douglas overpass.
Sgt. Gee’s aunt, Cheryl Juels, said, “I am filled with gratitude to be part of this event today. Nicole’s legacy remains a beacon of courage. Our greatest fear is that Nicole will be forgotten. Our hope is that these signs will remind all who drive by of the living legacy of Sgt. Nicole Gee and what she fought for.”
Assemblyman Joe Patterson stated, “These memorial highway signs will serve as a reminder for all who drive by to uphold Sgt. Nicole Gee and her fellow service members’ dedication and service to our community and country. Her sacrifice is deserving of honor and her commitment to our community and nation will never be forgotten.”
Senator Roger Niello added, “It has been my honor to be part of this journey of honoring Sgt. Nicole Gee and her service. As people drive on this portion of Interstate 80, we will all be reminded of the sacrifice, duty, and commitment that Sgt. Gee has displayed so courageously on behalf of her country.”
