Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed legislation (A.5563/S.6528) naming a portion of the state highway system in Chautauqua County in honor of Lance Corporal Aaron M. Swanson.

The bill designates a portion of New York State Route 394 in the Village of Lakewood as the “Lance Cpl. Aaron M. Swanson Memorial Highway.” Swanson served his nation in Afghanistan and was assigned to the United States Marine’s 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve. Lance Corporal Swanson tragically lost his life in service to the country on Feb. 7, 2011, while conducting combat operations in Afghanistan.

“Lance Corporal Aaron M. Swanson was a brave and decorated Marine who sacrificed his life for our country on the battlefield of Afghanistan,” Governor Cuomo said. “Eight years after his passing, designating a portion of State Route 394 in Lance Corporal Swanson’s name will help ensure his service to our nation is remembered for years to come.”

Swanson was born Aug. 10, 1989, in Jamestown, a son of and Gene and Julie Abers Swanson and Michelle Buckley Ford. He was raised in Lakewood and grew up around his dad’s service station, Swanson Keystone, where he learned how to fix cars. In 2007, Swanson graduated from Southwestern High School, where he ran track and played football during his senior year. Swanson was a Boy Scout with Troop 131 Allegheny Highlands Council from the age of 11 until he was 17.

“The Chautauqua County Legislature expressed its desire to honor Lance Corporal Swanson by unanimous vote when it adopted a formal resolution requesting this legislation,” said Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, R-Jamestown. “It is an honor to dedicate State Route 394 in the Village of Lakewood as but one small way for this state to honor the bravery, dedication and ultimate sacrifice of this brave American hero.”