Highway sign honoring Sgt Nicole Gee installed over Highway 80 in Roseville

Highway signs that honor Roseville native Sergeant Nicole Gee, who was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan, were installed on a busy section of Interstate 80 near Roseville on Wednesday, August 20. Lawmakers who represent the area held a ceremony with Sgt. Gee's family, to celebrate the installation of the signs and honor her memory. The signs read "Sergeant Nicole Gee U.S. Marine Corps Memorial Highway" and are installed at the Interstate 80/Douglas overpass; a heavily traveled thoroughfare that will be seen by thousands of people daily. Assemblyman Joe Patterson and Senator Roger Niello, state legislators who represent Roseville, welcomed family members of Sgt Gee to celebrate the installation and pay tribute to the sacrifice she made for her country. Nicole Gee enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2017. During the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, she was killed in a suicide bombing at Kabul International Airport on August 26, 2021. Just hours before the attack that took her life and the lives of 12 other officers, Sgt. Nicole Gee posted what has now become an iconic photo of her holding an Afghan baby with the caption, "I love my job." To honor her legacy and service, Assemblyman Patterson and Senator Niello authored Assembly Concurrent Resolution 126 last year to designate a portion of Interstate 80 in Placer County as the Sgt Nicole Gee United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway. After gaining unanimous support from both the Assembly and Senate, the legislators quickly began working with Caltrans to procure and display the signs. Assemblyman Patterson and Senator Niello shared their appreciation for the California Department of Transportation, especially the staff of District 3, for their expeditious work to prepare and install the memorial signs in advance of the upcoming four-year anniversary of the bombing on August 26. The installation was an emotional event, with the lawmakers sharing recognition with the family and presenting them with a framed copy of the signed legislation which names the portion of highway in Sergeant Gee's honor. Niello and Patterson then walked with Sgt Gee's family to the overpass, where they viewed the sign installation together. Sgt. Gee's aunt, Cheryl Juels said her family is grateful to see her niece's memory preserved. "I am filled with gratitude to be part of this event today. Nicole's legacy remains a beacon of courage," said Juels. "Our greatest fear is that Nicole will be forgotten. Our hope is that these signs will remind all who drive by of the living legacy of Sgt. Nicole Gee and what she fought for." Assemblyman Joe Patterson said, "These memorial highway signs will serve as a reminder for all who drive by to uphold Sgt. Nicole Gee and her fellow service members' dedication and service to our community and country. Her sacrifice is deserving of honor and her commitment to our community and nation will never be forgotten." Senator Roger Niello shared, "It has been my honor to be part of this journey of honoring Sgt. Nicole Gee and her service. As people drive on this portion of Interstate 80, we will all be reminded of the sacrifice, duty, and commitment that Sgt. Gee has displayed so courageously on behalf of her country."