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[Press Release provided by Congressman Doug Lamborn's office]
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Congressman Doug Lamborn, in conjunction with the United States Postal Service (USPS), held a ceremony July 23, that renamed the Briargate Post Office building located at 8585 Criterion Dr. in Colorado Springs, CO, to the Chaplain Captain Dale Goetz Post Office. The ceremony was held after Congressman Lamborn's bill (H.R. 4725) passed unanimously through the U.S. House and Senate in late 2020 and was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on Dec. 21, 2020. Chaplain Goetz was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan on Aug. 30, 2010, and was the first chaplain killed in action since the Vietnam War.
“It has been a great honor to lead the effort to memorialize Chaplain Dale Goetz for his service and sacrifice to God and our nation,” said Congressman Doug Lamborn. “Chaplain Goetz was a man of unwavering faith and repeatedly answered the call of duty to serve his country. His devotion to others and his love of country were an example to all. Naming this post office, in some ways, honors all chaplains and recognizes them for their invaluable service to our nation. I trust that the people of Colorado Springs will remember the patriotism and courage of Chaplain Goetz and the service of all military chaplains every time they enter or see this post office.”
“Chaplain Dale Goetz paid the ultimate price in carrying out his sacred duty of ‘Caring for the Soul of the Army,’” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Solhjem, the U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains. “Chaplain Goetz exemplified the highest levels of commitment and self-sacrifice in ‘Bringing God to Soldiers and Soldiers to God’ in Afghanistan and everywhere he served. All of us who continue that same mission today, for Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians are honored by this event, and by the recognition given to our colleague in ministry. We stand shoulder to shoulder in our own commitment to God and Country, to carry on the legacy of Chaplain Goetz, by ensuring that no one in our nation’s uniforms goes into harm’s way without spiritual support.”
“On behalf of the entire Goetz family, I'd like to thank Congressman Lamborn, the United States Post Office, and everyone involved in honoring Dale's life and legacy,” said Christy Goetz Bixby. “We are grateful and overwhelmed to witness today's ceremony and to be surrounded by those who have traveled from coast to coast to celebrate and honor our hero. Dale lived his life passionately, pursuing the Lord at every moment. His zeal for God's love was contagious. This post office is a fitting tribute in remembering our husband, father, son, brother, friend, and chaplain. We are honored.”
“The Postal Service and our employees in the Colorado/Wyoming District are proud to be a part of this building renaming ceremony to honor the memory and ultimate sacrifice of one of this Nation’s finest,” said Jason McMahill, USPS Colorado/Wyoming District Manager. “The history of the Postal Service goes back a long way – and it has always honored men like Chaplain Dale Goetz. Mere words cannot match the measure of a hero’s sacrifice, but a grateful nation can say ‘Thank you’ – and this building will forever bear his name.”
The ceremony was attended by members of Chaplain Goetz's family, including his widow Christy and three sons Landon, Caleb, and Joel, as well as his chaplain assistant Joshuwa Clare. Also, in attendance was the Army Chief of Chaplains (Maj. Gen.) Tom Solhjem, Army Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) Retired Ray Bailey, Army Reserve Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) Retired Ray Woolridge, Bishop Derek L.S. Jones - Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty, Dr. Kevin Bauder - Central Baptist Seminary, Representatives from Senator Bennett, Congressman Buck, El Paso County, the City of Colorado Springs, and representatives from Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, the U.S. Air Force Academy, Buckley Space Force Base, and the United States Post Office.
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