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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 28, 2006

Schumer, Clinton Welcome Key Senate Committee Approval Of Bill To Rename Post Office In Utica In Honor Of Captain George A. Wood

Senator Clinton introduced legislation which Senator Schumer co-sponsored to rename Pitcher Street Post Office after local hero who died in combat while serving in Iraq

Schumer, Clinton called on Senate Homeland Security Committee to approve the bill

Washington, DC – Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton announced that legislation to honor U.S. Army Captain George A. Wood was passed by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs.  In a letter, spearheaded by Senator Schumer to the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Committee, the Senators urged unanimous approval of the bill, which was sponsored by Senator Clinton and co-sponsored by Senator Schumer, and was also sponsored in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Sherwood Boehlert. Capt. Wood died on November 20, 2003 while serving in Iraq, when his tank was hit by an explosive device.

“George Wood was a true hero who gave his life while defending our country.  Today we pay tribute to his bravery, his selflessness and his sacrifice.  I am very pleased that our colleagues on the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee have approved this legislation so that we can create this memorial to his memory and legacy,” Senator Clinton said.  “Captain Wood’s father and grandfather both worked at the Pitcher Street Post Office, so it is only fitting that we designate this facility as a tribute to him.”

“George Wood epitomized bravery, patriotism and public service but his life was tragically cut short,” said Senator Schumer. “It is only fitting that the post office in Wood’s hometown should bear the name of this great American hero who will be honored in the Utica community forever.”

The legislation would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service, located at 100 Pitcher Street in Utica, as the “Captain George A. Wood Post Office Building.”

Captain Wood was born and raised in Utica, NY.  As a student at Notre Dame Junior-Senior High School, Wood excelled both in the classroom and on the athletic field, where he participated in football and track and field.  Upon graduation from high school, Wood attended Cornell University.  He played on the University’s football team, but focused most of his attention on his academics, particularly his history coursework.  After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1993, Wood continued in his academic pursuits, earning master’s degrees at SUNY-Albany and SUNY- Cortland. Wood’s interest in history continued after he entered the United States Army.  As a Captain in the 4th Infantry Division, Wood’s responsibilities included leading a tank unit in Iraq. 

The legislation will now head to the floor of the Senate for full Senate approval. Following Senate approval, the legislation will go to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

[A copy of the Senators’ letter to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs attached]

July 25, 2006

The Honorable Susan M. Collins
Chairwomen
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs
340 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Joseph I. Lieberman
Ranking Member
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs
340 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Chairwoman Collins and Ranking Member Lieberman:

We are writing to you regarding H.R.4962, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Pitcher Street in Utica, New York, as the "Captain George A. Wood Post Office Building."  Earlier this year, our friend and colleague Congressman Sherwood Boehlert introduced legislation to honor Mr. Wood’s life by renaming the Pitcher Street Post Office, where his father and grandfather worked, as the “Captain George A. Wood Post Office Building.” 

Mr. Wood attended Notre Dame Junior Senior High School in Utica, where he excelled in football and track and field.  He went on to receive his bachelor’s and masters’ degrees before being deployed for Iraq.  He dreamed of teaching history and coaching football at West Point after his military career.  Mr. Wood led four tanks in Iraq, and on Nov. 20, 2003, he was tragically killed when the tank he was in rolled over a makeshift explosive device.  When he died at the young age of 33, he left behind his wife and three-year old daughter. 

It is our understanding that H.R.4962, introduced by Congressman Boehlert, was received by the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee on July 19, 2006.  We respectfully ask that you discharge this bill so that the Senate can adopt it by unanimous consent as soon as possible.

We thank you for your consideration of this request.  Please do not hesitate to contact our offices if you have any questions about this important matter.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer    
Hillary Rodham Clinton

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