Verobish: Bridge Dedication this Friday Recognizes Cousins from Altoona Who Fought in World War II

September 16, 2026

BLAIR – Rep. Andrea Verobish (R-Blair) invites Blair County residents and local media to attend a bridge dedication ceremony this Friday, Sept. 18, where a Blair County bridge will be renamed to honor Jack and Sheldon Chambers, cousins from Altoona who fought in World War II.

The dedication will begin at 1 p.m at Lakemont Park (700 Park Ave., Altoona), Pavillion #7. The bridge, which will formally be named the Jack E. and Sheldon L. Chambers Memorial Bridge after Friday’s ceremony, carries Interstate 99 over Logan Boulevard.

“On behalf of my office and the families of Jack and Sheldon, I’d like to personally invite all residents to this incredibly meaningful ceremony,” Verobish said. “These brave cousins each received several awards from the United States for their services and sacrifices during World War II. This is one way we can say thank you from Blair County. I hope the bridge being named in their honor inspires generations of heroes, like them, for as long as it stands.”

Jack E. Chambers enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June 1942 at the age of 17. He quickly achieved the rank of corporal, 3rd Amphibian Tractor Battalion, III Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force. In July 1944, while in command of an Amphibian Tractor crew during the landing of assault troops on Guam, Jack was killed by hostile fire after helping rescue troops from nearby loaded vehicles that were incapacitated by enemy mortars. He was 20 years old.

Sheldon L. Chambers enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in June 1939 at the age of 18. He served as a flight officer/co-pilot in the 308th Bomber Group, Heavy, 425th Bomber Squadron. In January 1944, Sheldon was part of the B-24J Liberator #42-73308, nicknamed “Hot as Hell.” When the crew took off from China during a routine flight to India, the crew was reported missing and declared dead a day later. The wreck of “Hot as Hell” was located in India in December 2006.
Jack is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. Sheldon is buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Manila in the Philippines.

“Jack and Sheldon are buried in completely different spots thousands of miles away from Blair County. I am so proud we can finally recognize them in their hometown,” Verobish said.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Verobish’s Altoona district office at 814-946-7218.

Representative Andrea Verobish
79th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Lindsey Cook
Lcook@PAHouseGOP.com
www.RepVerobish.com | Facebook.com/RepVerobish