Bill would aid Marines’ families

Staff report

Warren

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan has introduced legislation that would benefit the families of three Marine recruits killed in a car accident last March.

Ryan, of Niles, D-17th, said Monday that the legislation would recognize their commitment as if they had completed their enlistment.

Zachary A. Nolen, 19, of Mineral Ridge and Newton Falls; Joshua A. Sherbourne, 21, of Southington; and Michael T. Theodore Jr., 19, of Howland; were killed March 31, 2010, when the government-owned vehicle they were riding in was struck from behind by Donald P. Williams Jr. of Austintown, who was driving a tractor-trailer.

The recruits were on their way to Cleveland to complete their enlistment in the Marines when the accident occurred.

The legislation, H.R. 1045, introduced March 11, would deem the three men to have been insured under the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance at the time of their deaths, Ryan’s news release said. This would benefit the surviving family members of Nolen, Sherbourne and Theodore.

“These young men had made the decision to enter into a commitment to our country,” he said. “This bill would recognize their commitment as if they had made it to their destination and completed their enlistment.”