Public Law 116 – 44 – An Act to Designate the Facility of the United States Postal Service Located at 1450 Montauk Highway in Mastic, New York, as the Army Specialist Thomas J. Wilwerth Post Office Building
This new law was signed on December 19, 2024, and designates the United States Postal Service (USPS) facility located at 1450 Montauk Highway in Mastic, New York, as the “Army Specialist Thomas J. Wilwerth Post Office Building.”
Background
Army Specialist Thomas J. Wilwerth was a United States Army soldier who was killed in action in Iraq on February 27, 2005, at the age of 21. He was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Battalion, Company A, out of Fort Carson, Colorado.
Wilwerth was born in Port Jefferson, New York, and grew up in Mastic. He attended William Floyd High School, where he was a member of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC). After graduating from high school in 2003, Wilwerth joined the Army and was deployed to Iraq in 2004.
On February 27, 2005, Wilwerth’s Humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) near Samarra, Iraq. He was killed instantly.
Wilwerth was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal for his service in Iraq.
The New Law
Public Law 116 – 44 designates the USPS facility located at 1450 Montauk Highway in Mastic, New York, as the “Army Specialist Thomas J. Wilwerth Post Office Building.” The law requires the USPS to place a plaque or other suitable memorial at the facility to commemorate Wilwerth’s service and sacrifice.
The law was introduced by Representative Lee Zeldin (R-NY) and cosponsored by Representative Kathleen Rice (D-NY). It was passed by the House of Representatives on December 8, 2022, and by the Senate on December 13, 2022. President Biden signed the law on December 19, 2022.
Reaction
The Wilwerth family expressed their gratitude for the new law.
“We are so honored that the post office in Mastic will be named after Tommy,” said Wilwerth’s mother, Susan. “This is a fitting tribute to his service and sacrifice.”
Representative Zeldin said that the new law is a way to show the community’s appreciation for Wilwerth’s service.
“Army Specialist Thomas J. Wilwerth was a true American hero,” said Zeldin. “He made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and we will never forget him.”
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