U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land, introduced HR 4877 on March 23. President Barack Obama signed the bill into law July 29.
LCpl Garrett Gamble, 20, of Sugar Land died March 11, 2010, while on patrol in Afghanistan.[/caption]“America can never repay the debt that we owe Garrett Gamble and his family, but this small gesture says thank you to Garrett for paying the ultimate price for our freedom,” Olson said. “When Sugar Land residents visit this post office, they will see his name and remember his sacrifice in defense of our nation.”
Gamble, a 2008 graduate of Stephen F. Austin High School, was killed after stepping on an improvised explosive device while on patrol March 11, 2010, his mother Michelle Greer said. The marine was 20 years old.
Greer said in March that she thought renaming the post office was a “wonderful idea.” After learning of the bill’s signing Aug. 1, she expressed the same excitement.
“I think it’s absolutely fantastic,” she said. “I’ll be honest … this is a shock, and I don’t even know what to say.”
She and Garrett’s father, Troy Gamble, said they were thankful for the support of Sugar Land and Olson.
“Pete [Olson] has been very supportive of the family,” Troy Gamble said. “He has done a lot to make sure that Garrett’s name is out there and relevant.”
Greer said the building renaming was symbolic of the city’s support for all service members, but added that her son would probably have been embarrassed by the attention.
“I am just very proud,” she said. “It’s not only for Garrett—its for all the men and women that are over there in the fight.”
A spokesperson from Olson’s office said a dedication ceremony for the post office is planned but has not yet been scheduled. Greer and Gamble both said they expect to attend. Gamble said Garrett’s brother Cody would also attend.
“It just kind of amazed me how well the community has come around and supported Garrett,” Greer said.
