The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Executive Department

State House Boston, MA 02133

(617) 725-4000

MITT ROMNEY

GOVERNOR

KERRY HEALEY

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 6, 2006

CONTACT:

Eric Fehrnstrom

Felix Browne

(617) 725-4025

ROMNEY HONORS FALLEN GUARDSMAN ROBERT ROONEY

Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation renaming a bridge spanning Brook Street in Carver in honor of Sergeant First Class Robert Rooney, who was killed on September 25, 2003 in Kuwait. A veteran of the first Gulf War, Rooney was a member of the 379th Engineer Company of the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

“Sergeant Rooney served his country with honor and distinction,” said Romney. “We feel tremendous gratitude for his dedication and the sacrifice he made to keep our nation secure at a time of great need.”

“It is a great honor that the community has not forgotten what a great guy my husband was and always will be,” said Sergeant Rooney’s widow, Diane, of Plymouth. “He was truly one of America’s heroes and I’m so glad his memory will continue to live on.”

Rooney was deployed to Kuwait in January, 2003 and tragically lost his life nine months later in an accident involving a forklift.

“A devastating loss has been suffered,” said Senator Marc Pacheco. “A devoted father, loving husband, caring friend and active member of the community has been lost. I filed this legislation to designate the bridge in his honor so that his name, his legacy as a soldier and his eternal sacrifice for our country will not be forgotten.”

“We owe a debt of gratitude to our military men and women who serve this country, even more to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I’m so pleased that Sergeant Rooney will forever be remembered with this bridge named in his honor and memory,” said Representative Susan Gifford. “The entire town of Carver and all who knew him should be pleased with this honor to a local fallen hero.”

A former resident of Plymouth and Carver, Sergeant Rooney is survived by his widow, Diane, and their three adult children. He also left a brother, Jim, of Carver and his cousin, Robert, of Carver.

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