Schumer, Clinton, King Announce Final Congressional Approval Of Jacob Samuel Fletcher Post Office Building

Charles Schumer Senators and Hillary Rodham Clinton and Congressman Peter T. King (RNY3) announced final Congressional passage of legislation to rename the Cooper Street Post Office in Babylon, NY in honor of Pfc. Jacob Samuel Fletcher. Pfc. Fletcher died on November 14, 2003 while serving in Iraq when explosives struck a bus he was riding on in the town of Samara.

Senator Clinton and Congressman King sponsored the Senate and House bills to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service, located at 110 Cooper Street in Babylon, as the Jacob Samuel Fletcher Post Office Building. Senator Schumer was a cosponsor of the Senate version of the legislation. The legislation was passed by the House of Representatives on September 20 and by the Senate early Saturday and now proceeds to the President for his signature.

Renaming the Cooper Street Post Office after Jacob Fletcher will be an important and lasting tribute to his memory and legacy. Having already been awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, it is only fitting that we honor a man who was not only devoted to serving his country, but who exhibited bravery and leadership every step of the way, said Senator Clinton. I am very pleased that our colleagues in Congress have supported our efforts to commemorate Jacobs sacrifice and I look forward to the President signing this bill so that we can rename the Cooper Street Post Office in his honor.

Jacob Fletcher epitomized bravery, patriotism and public service, but his life was tragically cut short serving his country, said Senator Schumer. After receiving the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his heroic efforts, it will be an honor for the residents of Babylon to have the Cooper Street Post Office bear the name of this great American hero who will be enshrined in his hometown forever.

Jacob Fletcher was a true hero and patriot, said Rep. King. While we can never makeup for the tremendous loss felt by his family and the community, I am proud to have introduced legislation that will pay lasting tribute to such a brave individual. His dedication to our nation should never be forgotten.

Jacob Samuel Fletcher was a 1994 Babylon High School graduate who last resided in Bay Shore, NY. Fletcher enlisted in the Army soon after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, informing friends and family he had a duty to serve his country. Both Fletchers father and stepfather served in the armed forces during the Vietnam War. His death came only 11 days shy of his 29th birthday. Fletcher had been one of the first Americans to land in Iraq, parachuting into the darkness north of Baghdad during the first week of the war. After his death, Fletchers mother, Dorine Kenney, set up Jacobs Light Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing servicemen overseas with necessities and comforts from home, with particular focus on those soldiers without family or support at home.