Commission requests state name bridge for fallen soldier

The Curry County Commission will petition the state name the State Road 467 overpass near Cannon Air Force Base after a Clovis soldier killed in Iraq.

The change would honor Sgt. Leroy “J.R.” Segura Jr., who died Aug. 4, 2006, in Iraq when a Humvee he was riding in rolled into a river he was crossing.

Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to send a letter to the New Mexico Transportation and Highway Departments requesting the state name the bridge in his honor.

Commissioner Bobby Sandoval said he believed it fitting to honor the 23-year-old because he was a Clovis High School graduate and Clovis native with extensive family in the area.

Prior to the vote, Chairman Frank Blackburn expressed concern the gesture could be viewed as unfair to other fallen service members.

“Is it wise to name a street like that after an individual?” he asked.

“I have all the respect in the world for our veterans, but we’ve lost a lot of people to war.”

Sandoval explained the symbolism of naming the bridge in honor of Segura, who was a bridge builder with the Army, extended beyond his death and added to the uniqueness of his case.

Segura is survived by his parents Leroy and Sandra Segura, brothers Simon and Jake Segura and sister Michelle Segura, all Clovis residents.

The meeting, held at the Special Events Center, lasted about an hour before commissioners recessed and reconvened at the courthouse for an executive session.

Commissioners cited the state law granting them authority to go into closed session. They did not explain their specific reasons for Tuesday’s session.

No action was taken upon their return to an open meeting.