HOUSTON POST OFFICE TO BE NAMED IN HONOR OF BENNY C. MARTINEZ PASSES THE SENATE, HEADED TO PRESIDENT BIDEN’S DESK FOR SIGNATURE

Washington, D.C. – A bill Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) championed to rename the post office on Broadway Street after Texas legend Benny C. Martinez passed the Senate, and now heading to President Biden's desk for signature. This is the first postal service office named after a Latino in the Houston area. Martinez was a prominent community leader who worked as a Harris County nurse for 30 years and 5 years as Deputy Sheriff, served the Houston area through countless organizations and advocacy groups, and was a U.S. Army veteran.

"Benny was a well-loved figure across Texas and the Houston area who spent his life in service to the people," said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. "He was extremely active within LULAC and helped arrange a meeting between President John F. Kennedy and LULAC in 1963 – which was the first time a U.S. President gathered a Latino organization. The naming of this post office will provide residents with a place to honor and remember Benny C. Martinez's legacy."

"Naming a U.S. Post Office after my father, Benny Martinez is a true testament to his legacy," said Benny C. Martinez's daughter, Loretta Martinez William. "My father was a hard-working volunteer and served the community through many organizations. He often would be finishing up a volunteer project and would be thinking of the next one. He was also a veteran who proudly served his country. He had the honor to receive numerous awards for his volunteerism. His favorite organization was LULAC, and his greatest honor was when he received LULAC Man of the Year for the Nation. He is quoted as saying a ‘volunteer is a hero, and a hero is a volunteer.' My father is a role model that young people can emulate. I thank Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, and her staff for their efforts, and all the support from the elected officials."

"Benny Martinez was and will always be remembered as a tireless champion for his community and dedicated to serving the underserved," said LULAC National President Domingo Garcia. He was committed to the power of education and called knowledge the most important tool for freedom and equality in America. He was a devoted civic leader who advocated for access to the vote as the greatest voice for Hispanics in Texas and across our country. Most importantly, his integrity, character, and passion for truth were lifelong, non-negotiable values that earned him respect from all who knew him. LULAC is richer and truer to its mission because of Benny Martinez."

The post office being named in honor of Benny C. Martinez is located at 4020 Broadway Street in Houston, Texas, 77087.

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary, Financial Services, and Armed Services Committees.