House Passes Bill to Rename Portion of US-131 for Kalamazoo Veteran

The bill honors Master Sergeant Gregory T. Kuhse, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2015.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:52am

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty highway under a warm, golden sky, with a lone American flag waving in the breeze, conceptually representing the dedication of a memorial highway to honor a fallen soldier.A memorial highway honors the life and service of a Kalamazoo-area veteran who made the ultimate sacrifice.Kalamazoo Today

The Michigan House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill to rename a portion of US-131 as the 'Master Sergeant Gregory T. Kuhse Memorial Highway.' The bill, sponsored by Senator Sean McCann of Kalamazoo, honors a former constituent who lost his life during his service in Afghanistan.

Why it matters

This legislation will help keep the name and memory of Master Sergeant Gregory T. Kuhse alive for his family, friends, and neighbors, as well as all who pass by and can join in recognizing the sacrifice he made for his country.

The details

Kuhse was born in Kalamazoo in 1977 and graduated from Comstock High School in 1995. He joined the Air Force and served as an Information Resources Manager and Manpower Analyst for over 19 years. Kuhse was killed on October 11, 2015 when a helicopter crashed at Camp Resolute Support in Kabul, Afghanistan.

  • The Michigan Senate passed the bill with unanimous bipartisan support last year.
  • The Michigan House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass the bill on Tuesday.

The players

Master Sergeant Gregory T. Kuhse

A former constituent of Senator Sean McCann who lost his life during his service in Afghanistan.

Senator Sean McCann

The Kalamazoo-area senator who sponsored the bill to rename a portion of US-131 in honor of Master Sergeant Kuhse.

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What they’re saying

“Some things should transcend partisanship, and I am proud to have the House act today on my bill to remember one of my constituents and a veteran, husband, and father who gave his life in service to our country. This legislation will not just help keep the name and memory of Master Sergeant Gregory T. Kuhse alive for his family, friends, and neighbors, but for all who pass and can join in recognizing the sacrifice that he made.”

— Senator Sean McCann, Senator

What’s next

The bill now heads to the governor's desk for signature.

The takeaway

This bipartisan effort to honor a fallen veteran from the Kalamazoo area demonstrates how elected officials can come together to recognize the sacrifices of those who serve their country.