On Monday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 793, offered by Rep. Lynn Woolsey, to name a postal facility in Inverness the “Specialist Jake Robert Velloza Post Office.”  Army Specialist Velloza was killed in action in Iraq on May 2, 2009, just weeks shy of his 23^rd birthday. 

“Jake Velloza was a courageous young man with a bright future and big dreams.  He exemplified the very best America has to offer,” Rep. Woolsey said.  “By putting his name on a public building in his community, we can ensure that Jake’s legacy of service and sacrifice endures.  I urge the Senate to move quickly to pass my bill and send it to the President.”

Jake Robert Velloza was born June 21, 1986 in Santa Rosa and grew up in Inverness.  He was the only child of Bob and Susan Velloza and was engaged to be married to Danielle Erwin.  A standout athlete at Tomales High School, he joined the Army in 2006 and was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. 

The post office is located at 12781 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Inverness.  Rep. Woolsey introduced the legislation, which was co-sponsored by the entire California House delegation, on February 17.  It was approved unanimously by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform last Thursday.  This is the first post office naming bill to be considered by the House during the 112^th Congress.

Watch the Congresswoman speak about her bill on the House Floor below: