[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 45 (Monday, April 22, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S3015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN:
  S. 2217. A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal 
Service located at 3101 West Sunflower Avenue in Santa Ana, as the 
``Hector G. Godinez Post Office Building''; to the Committee on 
Governmental Affairs.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise to ask my colleagues to support 
a bill to name the Santa Ana, CA Post Office as the ``Hector G. Godinez 
Post Office Building.'' I introduced similar legislation the during the 
last session of Congress, and I hope, with the Senate's support, it 
will become law during this session.
  Hector Godinez, who passed away in May of 1999, was a true leader in 
his community of Santa Ana, CA. He was a pioneer in the United States 
Postal Service rising from letter carrier to become the first Mexican-
American to achieve the rank of District Manager within the United 
States Postal Service. He served with honor in World War II, was a 
ardent civil rights activist and an active participant in civic 
organizations and local government.
  After graduation from Santa Ana High School, Mr. Godinez enlisted 
into the armed services and was a tank commander in World War II under 
General George Patton. For his service, he earned a bronze star for 
bravery under fire and was also awarded a purple heart for wounds 
received in battle.
  Upon his return home in 1946, Mr. Godinez started his first of 48 
years of distinguished service as a United States postal worker.
  Hector Godinez was a true pillar within the Santa Ana community 
devoting his tireless energy to such civic groups as the Orange County 
District Boy Scouts of America, Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, Orange 
County YMCA and National President of the League of United Latin 
American Citizens, one of the country's oldest Hispanic civil rights 
organizations.
  On behalf of the Godinez family and the people of Santa Ana, CA, it 
is my pleasure to introduce this bill to name the Santa Ana, CA Post in 
his honor.
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