CONGRESSWOMAN SYLVIA GARCIA’S (TX-29) BILL TO RENAME HOUSTON POST OFFICE IN HONOR OF VANESSA GUILLÉN PASSES HOUSE
Media Contact: Brian Garcia | Brian.Garcia@mail.house.gov | (202) 227-0330
Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia's (TX-29) bipartisan bill to rename the post office on Galveston Road in Houston after her constituent, SPC Vanessa Guillén, passed the House. The murder of Vanessa at the hands of another soldier generated national waves across the country – ultimately leading to a landmark change in the military code that moved sexual assault and harassment investigations outside of the military's chain of command.
"The renaming of this local post office building will provide Houston area residents a special way to remember my constituent, SPC Vanessa Guillén, and her legacy," said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. "Vanessa was a strong and beautiful young woman who was taken from her family and our community much too soon. Yet, her memory lives on throughout my district and the country. Today, countless veterans and service members can live without fear because of her sacrifice. I hope this post office renaming will bring some comfort to Vanessa's family and loved ones."
"It is an honor to have the post office named on behalf of our loved one, Vanessa Guillén. It will resemble her memory, life, and legacy to Houstonians," said the Guillén family. "Thank you, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, for all the hard work and dedication to our family. We are very honored and joyful to see this second bill in her name as it shows how important Vanessa's life is as her only desire was to serve and protect our country, unfortunately, her life was taken but we know her legacy will live on forever. A big thank you to all Congress members that continue to support us. May God bless."
Vanessa was a 20-year-old United States Army soldier stationed at Fort Hood Army Base when she was brutally murdered by another soldier on base. In her honor, the bill renames the postal office, located at 5302 Galveston Road, in Houston, Texas, as the Vanessa Guillén Post Office Building.
Read the full bill text here.