U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA 36) has written legislation calling for the renaming of two post offices in his district, memorializing a U.S. Marine and a Native American tribal leader.
The La Quinta site will be designated as the “Cpl. Hunter Lopez Memorial Post Office Building,” while the Palm Springs site on North Sunrise Way will become the "Chairman Richard Milanovich Post Office.” Lopez aided the largest airlift in human history while Milanovich served as Tribal chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for more than 28 years.
Lopez served in Afghanistan at the Kabul airport when the U.S. military pulled out of the country.
“Corporal Lopez was the embodiment of service,” Ruiz said in a press release from his office this week. “With the Marine Corps, he aided the largest airlift in human history, evacuating over 120,000 of our fellow Americans and allies. Corporal Lopez worked up until his last moment to save others. Now his story is forever entwined with our nation’s, and it is my hope that with this legislation, future generations will come to know his legacy of remarkable service, compassion, and heroism.”
Moments before his death, Lopez saved the lives of two children. He was one of 13 U.S. servicemembers who died during the operation.
Lopez was born in Indio and was a graduate of La Quinta High School. His parents, Herman and Alicia Lopez, said their son "had a dream to serve in the Marines. He wore his uniform with pride, and his service has impacted countless lives, leaving a lasting mark on our community. We would be honored to see the La Quinta Post Office renamed in his honor so that his legacy can continue to inspire.”
Milanovich grew up in the Palm Springs area. Besides his 28 years chairing the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, he was also a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1960-63. Under his leadership, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians thrived and became the most prosperous Tribe in the United States, making major economic contributions to the Palm Springs area.
“[Chairman Milanovich’s] impact spread far and wide, and he is still revered as a change maker for Tribes throughout California and the entire nation,” Ruiz said. “We celebrate Chairman Milanovich’s memory and legacy by naming the Palm Spring Post Office in his honor.”
Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians said the bill "pays tribute to an important leader who made a difference not for just our tribe, but for tribes throughout the country during his three decades of service. This is truly a great way to commemorate his legacy.”
Both bills successfully passed the House on Monday with strong bipartisan support, the release said.