Legislation introduced by Congresswoman Solis to name the Covina post office in honor of Keil, was signed into law on March 20, 2006 (Public Law 109-199). 

“Naming the Covina post office in honor of Capt. Keil is more than just a tribute to her, it is a small token of our appreciation for her exceptional leadership and service to our country,” said Congresswoman Solis. “As a longtime resident of Covina, Capt. Keil was not just a brave and self-sacrificing veteran, but also a loving wife, a mother and a friend to many who live in the 32nd Congressional District.”

Capt. Keil, known as an “Airborne Florence Nightingale,” was a flight nurse for the U.S. Army Air Corps (now U.S. Air Force) during World War II and the Korean War.  She flew 425 combat evacuation missions, including many in Normandy during the D-Day invasion where she helped evacuate thousands of wounded U.S. troops from the battlefield.  She was awarded 19 medals and ribbons for her service. 

Capt. Keil was honorably discharged from the military in 1955. Her family moved to Covina in 1958, and she continued working as a nurse in emergency rooms and hospitals. After serving her country, she became an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 8620 and the American Legion Post 790. Capt. Keil died of cancer at the age of 88 in June 2005. 

The Capt. Keil legislation introduced by Congresswoman Solis was supported by all 52 Members of the California Congressional Delegation the Mayor of Covina and the Covina City Council, the Mayor of West Covina, and the West Covina Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8620.

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