Following a vote in the Senate, U.S. Representative Mondaire Jones (D-NY) applauded final passage of his legislation to designate a post office in New York’s 17th Congressional District after Sergeant Gerald T. “Jerry” Donnellan, a veteran from Valley Cottage, NY, who served in Vietnam and earned three Purple Hearts. The late Sergeant Donnellan led a life of service to others, both in the military and as an advocate for veterans health care and wellbeing later in his life.

“Sergeant Donnellan never relented in his advocacy for our veterans and their families,” said Rep. Jones. “He embodied selflessness as a soldier and a civilian, treating every veteran—and every person—with the respect and dignity they deserve. Today, we honor Sergeant Donnellan’s life and legacy. His commitment to serving our country and our fellow Americans should inspire us all.”

Rep. Jones originally introduced the legislation in December 2021 and spoke on the House floor this year in support of the bill, which passed the House on September 28. Now that the legislation has passed the Senate, it will be signed into law and rename the post office at 15 Chestnut Street in Suffern, NY the Sergeant Gerald T. “Jerry” Donnellan Post Office.