Iowa Delegation’s Legislation to Name Cedar Rapids Post Office After Iowa Guardsman Killed in Afghanistan Passes Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Congressman Rod Blum (R-01) today released the following statements after legislation to rename a Cedar Rapids post office after Sergeant First Class (SFC) Terryl L. Pasker, an Iowa National Guardsman who was killed in Afghanistan, passed the Senate.

“Sergeant First Class Pasker dedicated his life in service to our great state and country, and was killed in the line of duty defending our freedoms,” said Senator Ernst. “As Memorial Day approaches, I am so pleased that we are able to express our gratitude to him and his family for the sacrifices they made, and honor his heroism. I am thankful for my colleagues’ support on this measure, and encourage the President to swiftly sign it into law.”

“Sergeant First Class Pasker served our country and lost his life on our behalf,” said Senator Grassley.  “In turn, we should honor his service in every possible way, including the recognition of a community fixture named for him.  It’s especially fitting to pass this bill just before Memorial Day.” 

“I introduced this legislation to honor the sacrifice of Sgt. 1st Class Pasker and all those who have served our country in the armed forces, and I am glad to see it pass the Senate today,” said Congressman Blum. “I am grateful to Senator Ernst and the entire Iowa delegation for their support of this measure and I urge President Obama to sign this bill into law as soon as possible. Enacting this legislation will be a lasting tribute to the life and sacrifice of Sgt. Pasker, and will serve as a permanent reminder of the courage and dedication shown by the members of our military and their families.”

  **Click to watch Senator Ernst speak on the importance of honoring SFC Pasker during yesterday’s Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee business meeting.**

About the Legislation to Rename a Cedar Rapids Post Office for SFC Pasker:

• This bill would designate the facility of the United States Postal Services located at 615 6^th Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as the “Sergeant First Class Terryl L. Pasker Post Office Building”.

• SFC Terryl L. Pasker was born in Anamosa, Iowa, enlisted in the US Army in 1990, and joined the Iowa National Guard in 1995. While serving in the Guard, he deployed to Afghanistan from 2004, and again in 2011 with the 334^th Brigade Support Battalion, 2^nd Brigade Combat Team, 34^th Infantry Division. SFC Pasker gave the ultimate sacrifice to his country when he was killed in a green-on-blue attack in Panjshir Province, Afghanistan on July 9, 2011, near the end of his tour.  SFC Pasker was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He is survived by his wife, Erica; parents, Mary and David; brother, Andrew, and two sisters, Christine and Rebecca.