HOUSTON – A US Post Office could soon bear the name of beloved US Army Specialist Vanessa Guillén.
Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) is leading a bipartisan bill to rename the post office on Galveston Road in Houston after her constituent, SPC Vanessa Guillén.
The vote is expected to take place this week. The family hopes that Vanessa Guillén’s legacy will continue to make a positive impact on military and civilian communities nationwide and here in the Greater Houston area.
“She’s no longer physically with us, but in spirit, her memory has done so many good things,” Mayra Guillén, Vanessa’s older sister, said.
Vanessa is a name that’s brought change, inspiration and everlasting memories to people in Houston.
“She was committed to serving and protecting, not only her country, but her family,” Mayra said.
At 5302 Galveston Road, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia is hoping the US Post Office there will also bear Vanessa’s name.
Garcia wants to honor the life of Vanessa after she died at her Fort Hood Army base, murdered by another soldier.
Vanessa’s story led to a landmark change in the military code that moved sexual assault and harassment investigations outside of the military’s chain of command.
Her family said they are honored to have her name considered for this bill.
“Congresswoman Garcia strongly spoke in support of her bill, H.R.224, which is a bipartisan bill to rename the post office on Galveston Road in Houston after her constituent, SPC Vanessa Guillén on the House floor tonight,” said a spokesperson from Rep. Sylvia Garcia’s office. “If all goes accordingly, the bill is expected to pass the House tomorrow.”
Tonight, I spoke in support of my bill H.R. 224.
— Rep. Sylvia Garcia (@RepSylviaGarcia) May 11, 2022
This bill honors my constituent SPC Vanessa Guillén by naming a Houston area post office after her.
Vanessa, your sacrifice ensured millions do not have to live in fear. We miss you. We love you. We will never forget you. pic.twitter.com/v3tZF2IEQw
They continue to fight for positive change in Vanessa’s name.
“Everything I do is in honor of her memory,” Mayra said.
Mayra, 23, said that the building would be a great way to keep her sister’s spirit alive.
“It will be a reminder of who she is and who she was as a soldier,” Mayra said. “Vanessa used to send us letters when she was still in the Army during boot camp. So it’s a huge remembrance, and I just believe that it’s a building that it’s vital... We do see why things happen. I truly believe it was her legacy. We now have the bill under her name for the sexual assault and misconduct in the military, which was a historic change. The second bill... it’s also an honor to have under her name and so much more work to come.”
The House is expected to vote on Garcia’s bill Wednesday. If passed, as expected, the post office at 5302 Galveston Road in southeast Houston would be named the “Vanessa Guillén Post Office Building.”