[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 17, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 THE TUSKEGEE AIRMAN LIEUTENANT COLONEL ROBERT J. FRIEND MEMORIAL POST 
     OFFICE BUILDING AND THE ARTURO L. IBLETO POST OFFICE BUILDING

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Madam President, I rise today to support legislation 
that would rename local post offices in California to honor the life 
and legacy of two Californians.
  The first bill, led by Congresswoman Katie Porter, would designate 
the Northwood Post Office in Irvine, CA, as the ``Tuskegee Airman 
Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Friend Memorial Post Office Building.''
  Lieutenant Colonel Friend was among the 355 pilots who served in the 
all African-American unit known as the Tuskegee Airmen during World War 
II. During his military career, Lieutenant Colonel Friend fought in 142 
combat missions and served as an operations officer for both the 301st 
Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group. He received various military 
awards, such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, Presidential Unit 
Citation, and Air Medal. In 2007, he was awarded the Congressional Gold 
Medal, along with the rest of the Tuskegee Airmen.
  After retiring from military service, Lieutenant Colonel Friend 
worked on the development of missile systems and space station 
components in Irvine, CA. He continued to participate in speaking and 
educational engagements about his experience with the Tuskegee Airmen 
into his 90s.
  Lieutenant Colonel Friend died in 2019 in Long Beach, CA, at the age 
of 99. He exemplified all that it is to be a public servant by devoting 
his life to his country as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen and further 
serving his country after his military career ended.
  The second bill, led by Congressman   Mike Thompson, would designate 
the Cotati Post Office in Cotati, CA, as the ``Arturo L. Ibleto Post 
Office Building.''
  Arturo L. Ibleto was an Italian-born immigrant and resistance fighter 
in World War II before moving to Sonoma County. It was there that he 
met his wife, and they built a successful Italian restaurant and 
catering business. For nearly 50 years, Art was an institution in the 
Sonoma County food and wine community, where he became known as the 
``Pasta King.''
  Additionally, Art lent considerable time and resources to local 
charitable, educational, and civic causes that left a lasting mark on 
the community. He continued working full time until his passing in 2020 
at the age of 94.
  It is an honor for me to be able to speak on behalf of these two 
bills to honor notable Californians and celebrate our rich history.
  Both of these bills passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan 
support, including the support of all 53 Members of the California 
House Delegation as cosponsors. Both Senator Padilla and I urge our 
colleagues to support quick passage of these bills.

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