Today Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) announced that the bill she authored to name the downtown Columbia Post Office in honor of Spc. Sterling Wyatt was signed into law.
“I’m thrilled that the President signed this bill into law, honoring Specialist Wyatt by naming our Columbia Post Office after him,” Hartzler said. “Sterling’s service to his country set an amazing example to the rest of our nation, and he is worthy of this honor. Having his name is etched into the side of our post office will inspire future generations and allow us to commemorate his patriotism forever.”
“We are overwhelmed, honored and humbled by the continued outpouring of support and love by our community, family and friends as they remember and honor our son, Sterling,” Spc. Wyatt’s family said. “Knowing our son’s sacrifice is and will be remembered is such a blessing and comfort. Our family is so very grateful and blessed.”
Born and raised in Columbia, Spc. Wyatt was an active participant in his youth group and church. He was also quite accomplished: he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, a first-degree black belt in taekwondo, and certification as a Certified Nurse Attendant all before graduating from Rock Bridge High School in 2009.
Soon after graduating, he joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington. He was later deployed abroad to serve his country. Tragically, at only 21-years old, Spc. Wyatt was killed on July 11, 2012 while on patrol in Kandahar, Afghanistan. His vehicle was attacked with an enemy improvised explosive device (IED).
Spc. Wyatt’s awards and decorations include the Medal of Valor, Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal, Certificate of Achievement, and Combat Infantryman Badge.
After receiving letters from Columbia constituents requesting the Columbia post office be named in Wyatt’s honor, and after she met with Wyatt’s parents Randy and Sherry, Rep. Hartzler introduced this historic bill, H.R. 4960. It passed the House in July, the Senate in November, and the President signed it into law late Thursday night.
There will be a formal ceremony in Columbia to dedicate the downtown post office to Spc. Wyatt on a future date to be announced.
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