Oxford Seeks Approval to Honor Lt. Col. Howard Belinsky

OXFORD, CT — A bill proposed by Oxford’s State Representative David Labriola (R-131) was brought this week to a public hearing held by the Legislative Transportation Committee. The bill (House Bill 5577) would name Route 67 in Oxford in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Howard Belinsky.

“This is an appropriate honor for an esteemed local veteran who gave so much to our community,” said Rep. Labriola in a prepared statement. “I thank Oxford First Selectman George Temple for suggesting that I propose this bill in the Transportation Committee.”

“The town is proud of Howard Belinsky for his service and his warm heart,” said First Selectman Temple, who supported the bill today in Hartford, testifying that in the event of a state moratorium on honorary signage, the Town of Oxford would be willing to cover the costs.

Howard Belinsky was a decorated US Army Infantry officer for 27 years, with three tours in Vietnam. He received numerous medals including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, four Air Medals, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star and the State of Connecticut Medal of Merit.

He was an active member of the David S. Miles Post 174 American Legion of Oxford, the Emil Senger Post 10 American Legion of Seymour, and he was actively involved in the planning of the town’s annual Memorial Day Parade which takes place along Route 67.

Written by Brian McCready (Patch National Staff)

(Editor's Note: This story first ran previously but here it is again in case you missed it.)