[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 102 (Monday, July 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HECTOR G. GODINEZ POST OFFICE BILL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 19, 1999

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I come to the House of 
Representatives to introduce a bill to rename the Santa Ana U.S. Postal 
Processing Center after a true American, Hector G. Godinez. Mr. Godinez 
gave so much to his country and community, and this bill will recognize 
his life long efforts.
  Santa Ana has been Mr. Godinez' home since 1925. After graduating 
from high school he joined the military, beginning his service to our 
country. He served during World War II and in recognition of his 
strength and bravery in General Patton's tank unit, was awarded a 
Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
  When Mr. Godinez returned home from the war, he decided to continue 
his record of public service as a letter carrier. During his 48 years 
in the U.S. Postal Service he rose from letter carrier to Southern 
California District Manager.
  Mr. Godinez' belief that individual action can help build a better 
community is clearly illustrated by his active involvement in Santa 
Ana. Mr. Godinez was deeply committed to the Orange County District Boy 
Scouts of America and was their chairman in 1985. He served as 
president of the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce and was a board member 
of the California Regional Center Program for Handicapped and Special 
Needs Children in Orange County.
  Mr. Godinez was a founding member of the Santa Ana League of United 
Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council and served on the Board of 
Directors LULAC Foundation. He and the other Santa Ana LULAC members 
were participants and supporters in the 1948 case of Mendez v. The 
Board of Education, a monumental civil rights case ending 
discriminatory practices against Mexican American children in Orange 
County schools.
  He guided our citizens through decades of change in California, both 
as a public servant and an activist. Our lives as Orange County 
residents are better for his life's work, and as his Congressional 
representative, I feel obligated to seek this honor on his family and 
community's behalf.
  I believe it is only fitting to honor this man who gave so much to 
his community and country. I hope my colleagues will support this bill 
to name the Santa Ana U.S. Postal Processing Center after Hector 
Godinez.

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