Post office could be named for Adam Brown

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-District 4, filed a bill late Wednesday to have the U.S. Postal Service substation in downtown Hot Springs named in honor of Chief Petty Officer Adam Brown.

Brown, a member of U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six and a graduate of Lake Hamilton High School, was killed in action March 17, 2010, in Afghanistan when some of his fellow troops were pinned down by heavy fire from an enemy compound. Brown maneuvered to draw enemy fire away from his team members and toward himself. He died as a result of his actions.

"We're hopefully going to be able to rename the downtown post office after Adam Brown," Westerman said Wednesday in a telephone call from his Washington, D.C., office.

With the observance of Veterans Day next week, Westerman said he thought this was a good time to file the bill.

"I think his story is remarkable, and he is someone who should be recognized and remembered. I think this is a good way to do it," Westerman said.

Westerman said it was not unusual for post offices and other federal buildings to be named after people, but in many cases it is politicians for whom they are named.

"I think it's a better idea to name them after our veterans and war heroes," he said.

"Chief Petty Officer Brown's story is a great American success story and his battle to overcome addictions to not only become one of the nation's most elite warriors, but also to be a husband, father, and a man who lived out his faith is a story worth celebrating and remembering," Westerman said.

"Adam exemplified the SEAL code of loyalty, team, and teammate, giving his life to save the members of his unit. Though he was killed in the line of duty, his selfless actions ensured victory for his unit. The enemy compound was captured by coalition forces and all Taliban forces were killed. Adam's love for Arkansas and America was evident by his selfless actions. Through this legislation, I hope to honor Adam's life and ensure his legacy is remembered and will encourage future generations," Westerman said in a news release.

Renaming the post office at 620 Central Ave., as the Chief Petty Officer Adam Brown Post Office, could take from one month to a year, Westerman said.

"It just depends on when the committees meet and when they take up the bill, but we've got to get the ball rolling to get started. I think it will happen relatively quick compared to the way things normally happen in Congress," he said.

He said the idea of naming the post office after Brown was discussed with his parents first, who "were pretty excited we were going to do it," Westerman said.

Local on 11/05/2015

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