Heroes Way Memorial Signs Dedicated to Two Local Soldiers

Two Jefferson County men were honored in a big way on Friday. 

PFC Andrew J. Habsieger, and SSG James R Ide V, were amongst family and friends Friday afternoon as a Heroes Way signs were dedicated to them along Interstate 55.

Missouri Department of Transportation crews installed the Heroes Way sign on I-55 at Route 67 in honor of Habsieger, and the sign on I-55 at McNutt for Ide. 

The memorial sign recognition is part of the Heroes Way Interstate Interchange Program legislation, passed in 2009. Under this legislation, interstate interchanges can be designated for Missouri residents, who served in the armed forces and were killed in action on or after September 11, 2001, in Afghanistan or Iraq. 

Habsieger was just 22 years old when he died on March 24, 2008 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He died from wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device, according to the Military Times.

Ide was 32 years old when he died on August 29, 2010 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. He died in Hyderabad, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire, according to the Military Times.