WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after legislation he supported to rename the U.S. Post Office at 4020 Broadway Street in Houston, Texas, for veteran and community leader Benny C. Martinez was signed into law:

“Benny Martinez was a force in Houston who dedicated his life to highlighting the contributions of the Hispanic community and preserving Tejano history,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m grateful to my colleagues for joining me in honoring Benny’s work on behalf of Latino civil rights and his example for young civic leaders.”

U.S. Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) led the passage of this legislation in the House of Representatives.

Biography of Benny C. Martinez:

Born in Goliad, Texas, Benny C. Martinez later moved to Houston. He served in the U.S. Army overseas in Korea and in the Reserves as a medic based at Fort Hood. Later, Martinez worked for Harris County for more than three decades, including as a registered nurse and a deputy sheriff. He was a member of multiple organizations throughout his life, including the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the American Legion, and the Tejano Association for Historical Preservation. 

Martinez was awarded the LULAC National Man of the Year and Elderly Person of the Year awards, and he is credited with organizing the meeting between Latino leaders and President Kennedy. He passed away in 2019.