This measure would designate the portion of Interstate 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079 at postmile 1.975, to the junction of State Route 65 at postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway. The measure would also request that the Department of Transportation determine the cost of appropriate signs showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs.

This measure would designate the portion of Interstate 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079 at postmile 1.975, to the junction of State Route 65 at postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway. The measure would also request that the Department of Transportation determine the cost of appropriate signs showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs.

This measure would designate the portion of State Route Interstate 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079, to 19-0079 at postmile 1.975, to the junction of State Route 65 at postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway. The measure would also request that the Department of Transportation determine the cost of appropriate signs showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs.

This measure would designate the portion of State Route 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079, to postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway. The measure would also request that the Department of Transportation determine the cost of appropriate signs showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs.

WHEREAS, Sergeant Nicole Leeann Gee was born May 1, 1998, in Vail, Colorado; and

WHEREAS, Nicole was raised in the City of Roseville, California, where she attended George Sargeant Elementary School, Warren T. Eich Middle School, and Oakmont High School; and

WHEREAS, During her time in school, Nicole was a member of the softball team, participated in dance classes, and was a teachers assistant for Tiny Vikes Preschool; and

WHEREAS, Her scholastic accomplishments included perfect attendance, becoming certified as bilingual in Spanish, and maintaining a place on the honor roll, before graduating in 2016 with a 4.1 grade point average; and

WHEREAS, In her free time, Nicole enjoyed working out, going to the beach, traveling, baking, spending time with family, and spending time at the gym; and

WHEREAS, She met her husband, Marine Sergeant Jarod Gee, while in high school, and they were married in a private ceremony in August 2016; and

WHEREAS, They were stationed together at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where they lived with their two dogs and close friends; and

WHEREAS, Nicole entered active duty in the United States Marine Corps in August 2017; and

WHEREAS, She went through recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, School of Infantry-East in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aviation Accession and Primary Military Occupational Specialty School in Pensacola, Florida, and Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School in the City of Twentynine Palms, California; and

WHEREAS, She worked as a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer, and was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24; and

WHEREAS, Nicoles military awards and accomplishments include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal, Expert Rifle Qualification Third Award, becoming a black belt martial arts instructor, setting weightlifting records at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, and achieving perfect scores in Combat Fitness Tests; and

WHEREAS, She deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in February 2021; and

WHEREAS, During her deployment, Nicoles stops included Spain, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait; and

WHEREAS, Nicole was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant while in Kuwait on August 2, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Nicole tragically passed away at 23 years of age in the City of Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, while on a humanitarian mission where she assisted in the evacuation of more than 100,000 refugees; and

WHEREAS, Nicole was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin, granddaughter, and friend, and a hero to the countless number of people that she helped; and

WHEREAS, She will always be remembered for her bravery, kindness, love, dedication, and selfless sacrifice in service to her country; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature honor the life and memory of Sergeant Nicole Gee by dedicating the portion of Interstate 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079 at postmile 1.975, to the junction of State Route 65 at postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway; and be it further

Resolved, That the Department of Transportation is requested to determine the cost of appropriate signs, consistent with the signing requirements for the state highway system, showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Director of Transportation and to the author for appropriate distribution.

WHEREAS, Sergeant Nicole Leeann Gee was born May 1, 1998, in Vail, Colorado; and

WHEREAS, Nicole was raised in the City of Roseville, California, where she attended George Sargeant Elementary School, Warren T. Eich Middle School, and Oakmont High School; and

WHEREAS, During her time in school, Nicole was a member of the softball team, participated in dance classes, and was a teachers assistant for Tiny Vikes Preschool; and

WHEREAS, Her scholastic accomplishments included perfect attendance, becoming certified as bilingual in Spanish, and maintaining a place on the honor roll, before graduating in 2016 with a 4.1 grade point average; and

WHEREAS, In her free time, Nicole enjoyed working out, going to the beach, traveling, baking, spending time with family, and spending time at the gym; and

WHEREAS, She met her husband, Marine Sergeant Jarod Gee, while in high school, and they were married in a private ceremony in August 2016; and

WHEREAS, They were stationed together at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where they lived with their two dogs and close friends; and

WHEREAS, Nicole entered active duty in the United States Marine Corps in August 2017; and

WHEREAS, She went through recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, School of Infantry-East in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aviation Accession and Primary Military Occupational Specialty School in Pensacola, Florida, and Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School in the City of Twentynine Palms, California; and

WHEREAS, She worked as a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer, and was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24; and

WHEREAS, Nicoles military awards and accomplishments include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal, Expert Rifle Qualification Third Award, becoming a black belt martial arts instructor, setting weightlifting records at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, and achieving perfect scores in Combat Fitness Tests; and

WHEREAS, She deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in February 2021; and

WHEREAS, During her deployment, Nicoles stops included Spain, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait; and

WHEREAS, Nicole was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant while in Kuwait on August 2, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Nicole tragically passed away at 23 years of age in the City of Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, while on a humanitarian mission where she assisted in the evacuation of more than 100,000 refugees; and

WHEREAS, Nicole was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin, granddaughter, and friend, and a hero to the countless number of people that she helped; and

WHEREAS, She will always be remembered for her bravery, kindness, love, dedication, and selfless sacrifice in service to her country; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature honor the life and memory of Sergeant Nicole Gee by dedicating the portion of Interstate 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079 at postmile 1.975, to the junction of State Route 65 at postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway; and be it further

Resolved, That the Department of Transportation is requested to determine the cost of appropriate signs, consistent with the signing requirements for the state highway system, showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Director of Transportation and to the author for appropriate distribution.

WHEREAS, Sergeant Nicole Leeann Gee was born May 1, 1998, in Vail, Colorado; and

WHEREAS, Nicole was raised in the City of Roseville, California, where she attended George Sargeant Elementary School, Warren T. Eich Middle School, and Oakmont High School; and

WHEREAS, During her time in school, Nicole was a member of the softball team, participated in dance classes, and was a teachers assistant for Tiny Vikes Preschool; and

WHEREAS, Her scholastic accomplishments included perfect attendance, becoming certified as bilingual in Spanish, and maintaining a place on the honor roll, before graduating in 2016 with a 4.1 grade point average; and

WHEREAS, In her free time, Nicole enjoyed working out, going to the beach, traveling, baking, spending time with family, and spending time at the gym; and

WHEREAS, She met her husband, Marine Sergeant Jarod Gee, while in high school, and they were married in a private ceremony in August 2016; and

WHEREAS, They were stationed together at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where they lived with their two dogs and close friends; and

WHEREAS, Nicole entered active duty in the United States Marine Corps in August 2017; and

WHEREAS, She went through recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, School of Infantry-East in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aviation Accession and Primary Military Occupational Specialty School in Pensacola, Florida, and Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School in the City of Twentynine Palms, California; and

WHEREAS, She worked as a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer, and was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24; and

WHEREAS, Nicoles military awards and accomplishments include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal, Expert Rifle Qualification Third Award, becoming a black belt martial arts instructor, setting weightlifting records at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, and achieving perfect scores in Combat Fitness Tests; and

WHEREAS, She deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in February 2021; and

WHEREAS, During her deployment, Nicoles stops included Spain, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait; and

WHEREAS, Nicole was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant while in Kuwait on August 2, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Nicole tragically passed away at 23 years of age in the City of Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, while on a humanitarian mission where she assisted in the evacuation of more than 100,000 refugees; and

WHEREAS, Nicole was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin, granddaughter, and friend, and a hero to the countless number of people that she helped; and

WHEREAS, She will always be remembered for her bravery, kindness, love, dedication, and selfless sacrifice in service to her country; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature honor the life and memory of Sergeant Nicole Gee by dedicating the portion of State Route Interstate 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079, to 19-0079 at postmile 1.975, to the junction of State Route 65 at postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway; and be it further

Resolved, That the Department of Transportation is requested to determine the cost of appropriate signs, consistent with the signing requirements for the state highway system, showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Director of Transportation and to the author for appropriate distribution.

WHEREAS, Sergeant Nicole Leeann Gee was born May 1, 1998, in Vail, Colorado; and

WHEREAS, Nicole was raised in the City of Roseville, California, where she attended George Sargeant Elementary School, Warren T. Eich Middle School, and Oakmont High School; and

WHEREAS, During her time in school, Nicole was a member of the softball team, participated in dance classes, and was a teachers assistant for Tiny Vikes Preschool; and

WHEREAS, Her scholastic accomplishments included perfect attendance, becoming certified as bilingual in Spanish, and maintaining a place on the honor roll, before graduating in 2016 with a 4.1 grade point average; and

WHEREAS, In her free time, Nicole enjoyed working out, going to the beach, traveling, baking, spending time with family, and spending time at the gym; and

WHEREAS, She met her husband, Marine Sergeant Jarod Gee, while in high school, and they were married in a private ceremony in August 2016; and

WHEREAS, They were stationed together at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where they lived with their two dogs and close friends; and

WHEREAS, Nicole entered active duty in the United States Marine Corps in August 2017; and

WHEREAS, She went through recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, School of Infantry-East in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aviation Accession and Primary Military Occupational Specialty School in Pensacola, Florida, and Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School in the City of Twentynine Palms, California; and

WHEREAS, She worked as a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer, and was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24; and

WHEREAS, Nicoles military awards and accomplishments include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal, Expert Rifle Qualification Third Award, becoming a black belt martial arts instructor, setting weightlifting records at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, and achieving perfect scores in Combat Fitness Tests; and

WHEREAS, She deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in February 2021; and

WHEREAS, During her deployment, Nicoles stops included Spain, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait; and

WHEREAS, Nicole was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant while in Kuwait on August 2, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Nicole tragically passed away at 23 years of age in the City of Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, while on a humanitarian mission where she assisted in the evacuation of more than 100,000 refugees; and

WHEREAS, Nicole was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin, granddaughter, and friend, and a hero to the countless number of people that she helped; and

WHEREAS, She will always be remembered for her bravery, kindness, love, dedication, and selfless sacrifice in service to her country; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature honor the life and memory of Sergeant Nicole Gee by dedicating the portion of State Route 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079, to postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway; and be it further

Resolved, That the Department of Transportation is requested to determine the cost of appropriate signs, consistent with the signing requirements for the state highway system, showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Director of Transportation and to the author for appropriate distribution.

CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

CSA1 Bill Id:ACR 126

Author:(Joe Patterson)

As Amended Ver:June 13, 2024

Majority Vote

SUMMARY

Designates the portion of State Route 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079, to postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway. The measure would also request that the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) determine the cost of appropriate signs showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs.

Senate Amendments

Make minor clarifying changes.

COMMENTS

Sergeant Nicole Leeann Gee was born May 1, 1998, in Vail, Colorado.

Nicole was raised in the City of Roseville, California, where she attended George Sargeant Elementary School, Warren T. Eich Middle School, and Oakmont High School.

During her time in school, Nicole was a member of the softball team, participated in dance classes, and was a teacher's assistant for Tiny Vikes Preschool. Her scholastic accomplishments included perfect attendance, becoming certified as bilingual in Spanish, and maintaining a place on the honor roll, before graduating in 2016 with a 4.1 grade point average.

In her free time, Nicole enjoyed working out, going to the beach, traveling, baking, spending time with family, and spending time at the gym. She met her husband, Marine Sergeant Jarod Gee, while in high school, and they were married in a private ceremony in August 2016. They were stationed together at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where they lived with their two dogs and close friends.

Nicole entered active duty in the United States Marine Corps in August 2017. She went through recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, School of Infantry-East in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aviation Accession and Primary Military Occupational Specialty School in Pensacola, Florida, and Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School in the City of Twentynine Palms, California. She worked as a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer, and was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24.

Nicole's military awards and accomplishments include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal, Expert Rifle Qualification Third Award, becoming a black belt martial arts instructor, setting weightlifting records at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, and achieving perfect scores in Combat Fitness Tests. She deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in February 2021. During her deployment, Nicole's stops included Spain, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. Nicole was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant while in Kuwait on August 2, 2021.

Nicole tragically passed away at 23 years of age in the City of Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, while on a humanitarian mission where she assisted in the evacuation of more than 100,000 refugees.

Nicole was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin, granddaughter, and friend, and a hero to the countless number of people that she helped. She will always be remembered for her bravery, kindness, love, dedication, and selfless sacrifice in service to her country.

According to the Author

"The state of California and the United States of America will never be able to repay our debt to Sergeant Nicole Gee, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation on August 26^th, 2021 in Afghanistan. By designating a portion of Interstate 80 in Placer County as the United States Marin Corps Sergeant Gee Memorial Highway, we can help honor the legacy of our hometown hero, Sgt. Gee. Ultimately, my hope is that every time we drive by her memorial sign, we remember the joy she brought to everyone she knew, the light she was to others all around the world, and that we never forget the sacrifice she made for people of this nation."

Arguments in Support

American Legion Department of California and the California State Commanders Veterans Council write "Sergeant Gee's remarkable life, distinguished by her dedication, bravery, and selfless service, is a testament to the values we hold dear as Americans. Her untimely passing while on a humanitarian mission in Kabul, Afghanistan, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our military personnel in the pursuit of freedom and security.

By naming this stretch of highway in her memory, ACR 126 not only pays tribute to Sergeant Gee's extraordinary contributions but also serves as a lasting reminder of the courage and commitment of all our service members. It is a fitting tribute to a true American hero whose life story will inspire future generations".

Arguments in Opposition

None on file

FISCAL COMMENTS

Unknown, but the measure requests that Caltrans determine the cost of appropriate signage consistent with requirements for the state highway system, and only erect the appropriate signage upon receiving donations from non-state sources covering the cost.

VOTES:

ASM TRANSPORTATION: 15-0-0

YES: Wilson, Davies, Aguiar-Curry, Berman, Juan Carrillo, Hart, Hoover, Jackson, Lowenthal, Papan, Sanchez, Ting, Wallis, Ward, Wicks

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 72-0-8

YES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, Dixon, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Friedman, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Rendon, Reyes, Rodriguez, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Robert Rivas

ABS, ABST OR NV: Cervantes, Megan Dahle, Essayli, Holden, Mathis, Luz Rivas, Blanca Rubio, Wicks

SENATE FLOOR: 40-0-0

YES: Allen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Ashby, Atkins, Becker, Blakespear, Bradford, Caballero, Cortese, Dahle, Dodd, Durazo, Eggman, Glazer, Gonzalez, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, Limón, McGuire, Menjivar, Min, Newman, Nguyen, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Portantino, Roth, Rubio, Seyarto, Skinner, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Umberg, Wahab, Wiener, Wilk

UPDATED

VERSION: June 13, 2024

CONSULTANT: Aimee Anspach / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN: 0003690

 CONSENT  

Bill No: ACR 126

Author: Joe Patterson (R), et al.

Amended: 6/13/24 in Senate

Vote: 21

SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: 15-0, 6/11/24

AYES: Cortese, Niello, Allen, Archuleta, Becker, Blakespear, Dahle, Dodd, Gonzalez, Limón, Newman, Nguyen, Portantino, Seyarto, Umberg

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 72-0, 5/23/24 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This resolution designates the portion of State Route 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079, to postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway.

ANALYSIS: Existing law assigns the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) the responsibility of operating and maintaining state highways, including the installation and maintenance of highway signs.

This resolution:

1. Recounts the life and career of Sergeant Nicole Lee.
2. Requests Caltrans designate the portion of State Route 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079, to postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway.
3. Requests Caltrans determine the cost of appropriate signs showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs.

Comments

1. Purpose of this resolution. According to the author, “The state of California and the United States of America will never be able to repay our debt to Sergeant Nicole Gee, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation on August 26th, 2021 in Afghanistan. By designating a portion of Interstate 80 in Placer County as the United States Marine Corps Sergeant Gee Memorial Highway, we can help honor the legacy of our hometown hero, Sgt. Gee. Ultimately, my hope is that every time we drive by her memorial sign, we remember the joy she brought to everyone she knew, the light she was to others all around the world, and that we never forget the sacrifice she made for the people of this nation.”
2. Background. Sergeant Nicole Leeann Gee was born in Vail, Colorado on May 1, 1998 and was raised in Roseville, California. During her time in school, she participated in the softball team, dance, and was a teacher’s assistant for a local preschool. At school, Nicole achieved accomplishments such as perfect attendance, bilingual certification, honor roll, and graduating high school with a 4.1 grade point average. In her free time, she enjoyed working out, going to the beach, traveling, baking, and spending time with her family. Nicole met her husband, Marine Sergeant Jarod Gee, in high school and they married in August of 2016. Nicole and Jarod were stationed together at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where they lived with their two dogs and friends.

Nicole entered active duty in the United States Marine Corps in August 2017. She went through recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, School of Infantry-East in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aviation Accession and Primary Military Occupational Specialty School in Pensacola, Florida, and Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School in the City of Twentynine Palms, California. There she worked as a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer, and was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24.

Nicole was deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in February 2021. During her deployment, Nicole’s stops included Spain, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. Nicole was promoted to Sergeant while in Kuwait on August 2, 2021. She passed away at 23 years of age in the City of Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, while on a humanitarian mission where she assisted in the evacuation of more than 100,000 refugees. Nicole’s military awards and accomplishments include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal, Expert Rifle Qualification Third Award, becoming a black belt martial arts instructor, setting weightlifting records at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, and achieving perfect scores in Combat Fitness Tests. Nicole will be remembered by her family as a beloved wife, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin, granddaughter, and friend.

1. Consistent with committee policy. This resolution is consistent with committee policy.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 6/21/24)

American Legion Department of California

California State Commanders Veterans Council

OPPOSITION: (Verified 6/21/24)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 72-0, 5/23/24

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, Dixon, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Friedman, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Rendon, Reyes, Rodriguez, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Robert Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Cervantes, Megan Dahle, Essayli, Holden, Mathis, Luz Rivas, Blanca Rubio, Wicks

Prepared by: Madison Hinojosa / TRANS. / (916) 651-4121

6/25/24 13:21:25

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Senator Dave Cortese, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: ACR 126 Hearing Date: 6/11/2024

SUBJECT: Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway

DIGEST: This bill designates the portion of State Route 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079, to postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Assigns the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) the responsibility of operating and maintaining state highways, including the installation and maintenance of highway signs.

Committee Policy:

1. The committee has adopted a policy regarding the naming of state highways or structures. Under the policy, the committee will consider only those resolutions that meet all of the following criteria:
2. The person being honored must have provided extraordinary public service or some exemplary contribution to the public good and have a connection to the community where the highway or structure is located.
3. The person being honored must be deceased.
4. The naming must be done without cost to the state. Costs for signs and plaques must be paid by local or private sources.
5. The author or co-author of the resolution must represent the district in which the facility is located, and the resolution must identify the specific highway segment or structure being named.
6. The segment of highway being named must not exceed five miles in length.
7. The proposed designation must reflect a community consensus and be without local opposition.
8. The proposed designation may not supersede an existing designation unless the sponsor can document that a good faith effort has uncovered no opposition to rescinding the prior designation.

This resolution:

1. Recounts the life and career of Sergeant Nicole Lee.
2. Requests Caltrans designate the portion of State Route 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079, to postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway.
3. Requests Caltrans determine the cost of appropriate signs showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose of this resolution. According to the author, “The state of California and the United States of America will never be able to repay our debt to Sergeant Nicole Gee, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation on August 26th, 2021 in Afghanistan. By designating a portion of Interstate 80 in Placer County as the United States Marine Corps Sergeant Gee Memorial Highway, we can help honor the legacy of our hometown hero, Sgt. Gee. Ultimately, my hope is that every time we drive by her memorial sign, we remember the joy she brought to everyone she knew, the light she was to others all around the world, and that we never forget the sacrifice she made for the people of this nation.”
2. Background. Sergeant Nicole Leeann Gee was born in Vail, Colorado on May 1, 1998 and was raised in Roseville, California. During her time in school, she participated in the softball team, dance, and was a teacher’s assistant for a local preschool. At school, Nicole achieved accomplishments such as perfect attendance, bilingual certification, honor roll, and graduating high school with a 4.1 grade point average. In her free time, she enjoyed working out, going to the beach, traveling, baking, and spending time with her family. Nicole met her husband, Marine Sergeant Jarod Gee, in high school and they married in August of 2016. Nicole and Jarod were stationed together at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where they lived with their two dogs and friends.

Nicole entered active duty in the United States Marine Corps in August 2017. She went through recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, School of Infantry-East in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aviation Accession and Primary Military Occupational Specialty School in Pensacola, Florida, and Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School in the City of Twentynine Palms, California. There she worked as a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer, and was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24.

Nicole was deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in February 2021. During her deployment, Nicole’s stops included Spain, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. Nicole was promoted to Sergeant while in Kuwait on August 2, 2021. She passed away at 23 years of age in the City of Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, while on a humanitarian mission where she assisted in the evacuation of more than 100,000 refugees. Nicole’s military awards and accomplishments include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal, Expert Rifle Qualification Third Award, becoming a black belt martial arts instructor, setting weightlifting records at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, and achieving perfect scores in Combat Fitness Tests.

Nicole will be remembered by her family as a beloved wife, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin, granddaughter, and friend.

1. Consistent with committee policy. This resolution is consistent with committee policy.
2. Technical Amendments. This bill has technical and clarifying amendments, which also add a co-author.

Related Legislation:

None

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday,

June 5, 2024.)

SUPPORT:

American Legion, Department of California

California State Commanders Veterans Council

OPPOSITION:

None received

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:ACR 126

Author:(Joe Patterson)

As Introduced Ver:January 16, 2024

Majority Vote

SUMMARY

Designates the portion of State Route 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079, to postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway. The measure would also request that the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) determine the cost of appropriate signs showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs.

COMMENTS

Sergeant Nicole Leeann Gee was born May 1, 1998, in Vail, Colorado.

Nicole was raised in the City of Roseville, California, where she attended George Sargeant Elementary School, Warren T. Eich Middle School, and Oakmont High School.

During her time in school, Nicole was a member of the softball team, participated in dance classes, and was a teacher's assistant for Tiny Vikes Preschool. Her scholastic accomplishments included perfect attendance, becoming certified as bilingual in Spanish, and maintaining a place on the honor roll, before graduating in 2016 with a 4.1 grade point average.

In her free time, Nicole enjoyed working out, going to the beach, traveling, baking, spending time with family, and spending time at the gym. She met her husband, Marine Sergeant Jarod Gee, while in high school, and they were married in a private ceremony in August 2016. They were stationed together at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where they lived with their two dogs and close friends.

Nicole entered active duty in the United States Marine Corps in August 2017. She went through recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, School of Infantry-East in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aviation Accession and Primary Military Occupational Specialty School in Pensacola, Florida, and Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School in the City of Twentynine Palms, California. She worked as a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer, and was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24.

Nicole's military awards and accomplishments include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal, Expert Rifle Qualification Third Award, becoming a black belt martial arts instructor, setting weightlifting records at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, and achieving perfect scores in Combat Fitness Tests. She deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in February 2021. During her deployment, Nicole's stops included Spain, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. Nicole was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant while in Kuwait on August 2, 2021.

Nicole tragically passed away at 23 years of age in the City of Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, while on a humanitarian mission where she assisted in the evacuation of more than 100,000 refugees.

Nicole was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin, granddaughter, and friend, and a hero to the countless number of people that she helped. She will always be remembered for her bravery, kindness, love, dedication, and selfless sacrifice in service to her country.

According to the Author

"The state of California and the United States of America will never be able to repay our debt to Sergeant Nicole Gee, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation on August 26th, 2021 in Afghanistan. By designating a portion of Interstate 80 in Placer County as the United States Marine Corps Sergeant Gee Memorial Highway, we can help honor the legacy of our hometown hero, Sgt. Gee. Ultimately, my hope is that every time we drive by her memorial sign, we remember the joy she brought to everyone she knew, the light she was to others all around the world, and that we never forget the sacrifice she made for the people of this nation."

Arguments in Support

American Legion, Department of California and the California State Commanders Veterans Council write in support of ACR 126 stating that by naming this stretch of highway not only pays tribute to Sergeant Gee's extraordinary contributions but also serves as a lasting reminder of the courage and commitment of all our service members and is a fitting tribute to a true American hero whose life story will inspire future generations.

Arguments in Opposition

None on file

FISCAL COMMENTS

Unknown, but the measure requests that Caltrans determine the cost of appropriate signage consistent with requirements for the state highway system, and only erect the appropriate signage upon receiving donations from non-state sources covering the cost.

VOTES

ASM TRANSPORTATION: 15-0-0

YES: Wilson, Davies, Aguiar-Curry, Berman, Juan Carrillo, Hart, Hoover, Jackson, Lowenthal, Papan, Sanchez, Ting, Wallis, Ward, Wicks

UPDATED

VERSION: January 16, 2024

CONSULTANT: Aimee Anspach / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN: 0002753

Date of Hearing: April 15, 2024

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Lori D. Wilson, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:ACR 126 (

Author:Joe Patterson) – As Introduced Ver:January 16, 2024

SUBJECT: Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway

SUMMARY: Designates the portion of State Route 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079, to postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway. The measure would also request that the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) determine the cost of appropriate signs showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs.

EXISTING LAW: Assigns Caltrans the responsibility of operating and maintaining state highways. This includes the installation and maintenance of highway signs.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown, but the measure requests that Caltrans determine the cost of appropriate signage consistent with requirements for the state highway system, and only erect the appropriate signage upon receiving donations from non-state sources covering the cost.

COMMENTS: Sergeant Nicole Leeann Gee was born May 1, 1998, in Vail, Colorado.

Nicole was raised in the City of Roseville, California, where she attended George Sargeant Elementary School, Warren T. Eich Middle School, and Oakmont High School.

During her time in school, Nicole was a member of the softball team, participated in dance classes, and was a teacher’s assistant for Tiny Vikes Preschool. Her scholastic accomplishments included perfect attendance, becoming certified as bilingual in Spanish, and maintaining a place on the honor roll, before graduating in 2016 with a 4.1 grade point average.

In her free time, Nicole enjoyed working out, going to the beach, traveling, baking, spending time with family, and spending time at the gym. She met her husband, Marine Sergeant Jarod Gee, while in high school, and they were married in a private ceremony in August 2016. They were stationed together at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where they lived with their two dogs and close friends.

Nicole entered active duty in the United States Marine Corps in August 2017. She went through recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, School of Infantry-East in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aviation Accession and Primary Military Occupational Specialty School in Pensacola, Florida, and Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School in the City of Twentynine Palms, California. She worked as a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer, and was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24.

Nicole’s military awards and accomplishments include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal, Expert Rifle Qualification Third Award, becoming a black belt martial arts instructor, setting weightlifting records at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, and achieving perfect scores in Combat Fitness Tests. She deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in February 2021. During her deployment, Nicole’s stops included Spain, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. Nicole was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant while in Kuwait on August 2, 2021.

Nicole tragically passed away at 23 years of age in the City of Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, while on a humanitarian mission where she assisted in the evacuation of more than 100,000 refugees.

Nicole was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin, granddaughter, and friend, and a hero to the countless number of people that she helped. She will always be remembered for her bravery, kindness, love, dedication, and selfless sacrifice in service to her country.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

American Legion, Department of California

California State Commanders Veterans Council

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Aimee Anspach / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093