Congressman Vela Introduces Bill to Rename Brownsville Post Office After Fallen Soldier

Press Release

Last week, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-TX) introduced legislation to rename the United States Post Office located at 1535 East Los Ebanos Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas, as the "First Lieutenant Andres Zermeno Post Office."

Originally commissioned into the Army National Guard in December of 2008, First Lieutenant Andres Zermeno was killed in action while bravely serving his country during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Shekhabad, Afghanistan, on September 25, 2011. For his courageous efforts and valiant service to his country, First Lieutenant Zermeno was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and a Non-Article 5 Medal by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

"First Lieutenant Andres Zermeno is not only one of our Nation's heroes, he is also a hometown hero," said Congressman Vela. "I believe that it is fitting to rename the United States Post Office in Brownsville, Texas, in honor of First Lieutenant Zermeno and his brave service to his country. This dedication will memorialize First Lieutenant Zermeno in our community and recognize his sacrifice for generations to come."

A South Texas native, First Lieutenant Zermeno was born in Brownsville on November 30, 1984, and grew up in the Rio Grande Valley. He graduated with a degree in psychology from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. While attending St. Mary's University, First Lieutenant Zermeno was an active member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps and the campus ministry. He met his wife, Rachel, during his time at St. Mary's; they married in 2007 and had two children. Known for his optimism and bravery, First Lieutenant Zermeno is described as a true leader by his peers and superiors.

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