Thompson Introduces Bill to Rename Local Post Office After American Hero
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15) introduced legislation today to designate the Freeport Post Office in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania the "Corporal Joseph Rodney Chapman Post Office."
A lifelong resident of Freeport, Corporal Joseph Rodney Chapman, who is 100 years old, was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. He fought with the 80th Infantry Division in World War II across France, was wounded twice in the process, and earned a Bronze Star for his heroic actions to destroy a German machine gun and its crew.
In the spring of 1944, as the Allies continued to drive the enemy into retreat, Corporal Chapman found himself under enemy fire and was taken as a prisoner of war. He spent seven months in a prison camp in Germany until he was liberated by American forces.
After returning home to Pennsylvania, he worked for the Freeport Post Office for 35 years as a mail carrier and clerk.
"Corporal Chapman is an American hero," Rep. Thompson said. "He has devoted his life to his country and his community, and for that we owe him a great debt of gratitude. In renaming the postal facility, we are cementing his legacy, and his story, for years to come."
"The Freeport Borough Council fully supports renaming the United States Postal Service facility in Freeport after Corporal Joseph Rodney Chapman. We are thankful for Corporal Chapman's many years of service to our country and community, and we appreciate Congressman Thompson's support in recognizing this American hero," saidClinton Warnick, Freeport Borough Council President.
"The Board of Commissioners of Armstrong County fully supports the bill to rename the Freeport Post Office, located at 415 High Street in Freeport, Pennsylvania to ‘Corporal Joseph Rodney Chapman Post Office.' Corporal Chapman displayed extreme bravery in service to the United States as a decorated World War II U.S. Army Veteran and is worthy of this accolade. Combining his military service and 35 years of service to the Freeport Community as a retired employee of this United States Postal Service facility, the proposed renaming bill is an appropriate culmination to a long-lived life of dedication and love of County," said The Armstrong County Board of Commissioners.
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