Lake County will honor the service of local U.S. Army hero, Private First Class Derek Arthur Gibson, by designating a portion of County Road 44 in the Eustis area as “Pfc. Derek Arthur Gibson Memorial Highway.”
The road dedication ceremony will take place on Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, at 9 am at the Lake County Fairgrounds Expo Hall, located at 2101 County Road 452, Eustis.
Pfc. Derek Arthur Gibson was killed in action on April 4, 2007, at the age of 20 by an Improvised Explosive Device during Operation Iraqi Freedom. A 2004 graduate of Eustis High School, Gibson entered the Army in 2005 and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion 12th Infantry Regiment 2nd Brigade Combat team 2nd Infantry.
Pfc. Gibson was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado until he was deployed in October 2006 to Green Zone, Camp Prosperity, Camp Falcon, in Baghdad, Iraq. Gibson was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.
“It is with our deepest gratitude that we name this road in honor of Pfc. Gibson, a Lake County native who gave his life for our country,” said Commission Chairman Leslie Campione. “We hope that this small gesture on behalf of the Board will allow the entire community to continue to honor the military service of this decorated war hero and forever remember his bravery.”
The Board of County Commissioners and the city of Eustis approved a resolution designating County Road 44 between County Road 452 and S. Fish Camp Road in honor of Pfc. Gibson earlier this year.
