President Signs Rep. Courtney Bill Honoring Corporal Bixler into Law

Press Release

President Signs Rep. Courtney Bill Honoring Corporal Bixler into Law

Congressman Joe Courtney announced today that President Bush signed H.R. 3325 into law yesterday afternoon, legislation to dedicate the Suffield Post Office in honor of fallen Iraq war soldier and Suffield native Stephen Bixler,

"Stephen touched the lives of many during his life and this is one small way to remember the sacrifice he made to our nation and the immeasurable joy he gave to those who knew him," stated Courtney. "This is also a reminder of the true cost of war and acknowledges all those who served our nation."

The Suffield community lost Corporal Stephen R. Bixler, United States Marine Corps, when he was killed in action last year in Fallujah, Iraq. His loss deeply impacted all those who knew him and his family.

Earlier this year, Congressman Courtney was contacted by a resident of Suffield who suggested that naming the Suffield Post Office located at 235 Mountain Road would be a small, yet meaningful tribute to Corporal Bixler. As a federal office building, Congressional legislation is required to change the designation of a post office.

Congressman Courtney held a thirty-day comment period for the Suffield community, friends, family and other interested parties in advance of introducing the legislation to make sure that renaming this building was welcomed by the community. The outpouring of support was overwhelming and included memories shared by family, classmates, and former comrades of Stephen Bixler's.

Now that the bill has been signed into law, over the coming weeks Congressman Courtney's office will work with local officials and the United States Postal Service to coordinate the renaming and dedication of the post office in honor of Corporal Bixler.

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