D’Orsie to Host Bridge Dedication for Fallen Vietnam War Veteran

October 22, 2025

Local bridge named Roger Lee Fraker Memorial Bridge
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Joe D’Orsie (R-Manchester) will be hosting a ceremony to officially designate the bridge carrying state Route 462 over a tributary of Kreutz Creek in Hellam Township, York County, as the Roger Lee Fraker Memorial Bridge.

The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m. at 5657 Lincoln Highway East, York, and will honor the life and sacrifice of Marine PFC Roger Lee Fraker, who served in the Weapons Platoon of K Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division during the Vietnam War.

“We are dedicating this bridge as a permanent tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Marine PFC Roger Lee Fraker, who served with honor in the Vietnam War,” said D’Orsie. “His service represents a generation that answered the call in a time of great uncertainty, often without recognition, but never without valor.

“He fought not for personal glory, nor solely for America's freedom, but in the hope of securing freedom for others. May every person who crosses this bridge remember his sacrifice, and may his legacy inspire us to live with courage and a lasting commitment to the ideals of liberty and service beyond ourselves.”

A native of Hellam and a 1967 graduate of Eastern High School, Fraker was killed in action on Aug. 27, 1968, at the age of 19.

The ceremony is open to the public and will be attended by the soldier's family, military personnel and community leaders.

Scheduled speakers and participants include:

• State Rep. Joe D'Orsie (R-Manchester).
• State Rep. Wendy Fink (R-Red Lion).
• Col. Robert S. Noren, Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
• Julie Wheeler, president commissioner, York County Commissioner's Office.
• Kevin Smyers, director, USMC Ret., York County Veterans Affairs.
• Dave Thompson, community relations coordinator, PennDOT.
• Commandant Matthew Corwin, USMC League, First Capitol Detachment #521.
• Beverly Vaughn, sister of Roger Lee Fraker.
• Pastor Keith J. Berkheiser II, Stonybrook Bible Church.
• VFW Susquehanna Post 2493 Color Guard.

Among Fraker’s military honors are the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Military Merit, Good Conduct and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

The designation was made official on June 30, 2025, by Act 17 of 2025, Section 16, which named the bridge in Fraker’s honor.

Representative Joe D’Orsie
47th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Melissa Fox
717.260.6522
mefox@pahousegop.com
RepJoeD.com