Key Senate Committee Approves Clinton Bill to Rename Averill Park Post Office After Major George Quanmo
Key Senate Committee Approves Clinton Bill To Rename Averill Park Post Office After Major George Quamo
Maj. Quamo, member of the Special Forces Unit in the Vietnam War, and local hero, was killed in 1968 at age 27 when the helicopter he was traveling in crashed outside of Laos in a heavily wooded area
Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Charles Schumer announced that legislation to honor Major George Quamo was passed by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. Senator Clinton, who sponsored the bill and Senator Schumer, who co-sponsored, welcomed its approval, which would designate the United States Postal Service facility located in Averill Park, NY as the "Major George Quamo Post Office."
"A true hero and role model, Maj. George Quamo served our nation with valor, leadership, and bravery. I am sincerely thankful to my colleagues on the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee for approving this bill and taking us one step closer to this tribute to a man who made the greatest of sacrifices to our nation. With this legislation, we honor his memory and offer our deepest respect and gratitude to his family," Senator Clinton said. "Having already received 26 medals for his service in Vietnam, it is fitting that Maj. Quamo's hometown post office will now bear his name."
"George Quamo epitomized bravery, patriotism and public service but his life was tragically cut short," said Senator Schumer. "It is only fitting that the post office in Quoma's hometown should bear the name of this great American hero who will be honored in the Averill Park community forever."
Maj. Quamo, a member of the Special Forces Unit in the Vietnam War, was killed in 1968 at age 27 when the helicopter he was traveling in crashed outside of Laos in a heavily wooded area. Quamo commanded three reconnaissance teams while in Vietnam, leading a number of covert missions. His actions saved the lives of 14 of his men. During his distinguished career he was awarded 26 medals which included the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit and Presidential Unit Citations. While conducting a mission in Vietnam, Major Quamo was killed when the helicopter he was flying in crashed. He was 27 and the youngest major ever to have served in the Special Forces Unit.
Major George Quamo was a Class of 1958 graduate of Averill Park High School in upstate New York. A natural leader, he was president of his high school junior class and a quarterback on the football team. After joining the Army he attended Officer Candidate School.
The bill will now head to the Senate floor for full Senate approval. Following Senate approval, the legislation will go to the President's desk to be signed into law.
http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/record.cfm?id=259947&&year=2006&