Davanzo, Ward Name Local Road After Vietnam Veteran

August 20, 2025

HARRISBURG – Rep. Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland) and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) today unveiled signage officially naming a portion of Waltz Mill Road in Sewickley Township as PFC Earl "Butch" Long Memorial Highway.

“Like any service member who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting tyranny and defending the ideals of our great country, we can never pay back the Long family for the pain of loss they experienced,” Davanzo said. “But I hope these signs are a reminder of Butch’s selfless service as well as be a public reminder of the many local heroes that made a similar sacrifice.”

Born in Ruffsdale in 1947, Long enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and served as an infantryman. On Aug. 15, 1961, Long was engaged in combat operations when an armored personnel carrier he was traveling in hit a mine. He was awarded the Bronze Star, and medals including the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service, Vietnam Service and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign. Long was laid to rest at Westmoreland County Memorial Park in Greensburg.

“Thank you to Private First Class Earl ‘Butch’ Long for defending our nation and giving his life for the blessings we are afforded today because of his service,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward. “This memorial highway in Sewickley Township, Westmoreland County, ensures Private First Class Earl ‘Butch’ Long’s memory is engraved into the landscape of the community he called home.”

Legislation proposing the official name change was authored by Davanzo, championed by Ward and eventually included in Act 17 of 2025, which was signed into law in June. The portion named after Long applies to State Route 3037, known locally as Waltz Mill Road, from the roundabout located just north of Interstate 70, traveling north approximately one-quarter mile.

Representative Eric Davanzo
58th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724-875-8450
RepDavanzo.com

Senator Kim Ward
39th Senatorial District
Pennsylvania Senate
Media Contact: Erica Clayton Wright
412-334-4856
SenatorWard.com