Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) announced a bill he authored to name the Poway Post Office on Midland Road in honor of World War II veteran, Raymond Barron Chavez, is now backed by the entire California congressional delegation.

Chavez was a U.S. Navy veteran who served aboard the USS Condor during World War II and died as the oldest surviving veteran of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He returned to Poway after his service, where he joined the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapter, owned a landscaping business, and raised his daughter. Chavez frequently attended commemorative events across the country as he rose in prominence among surviving Pearl Harbor veterans.

“Ray was known to many as the oldest surviving veteran of Pearl Harbor, but here in Poway, he’s remembered as a father, friend, and businessman,” said Rep. Peters. “Naming this post office, in some ways, honors all our veterans and thanks them for their service. Ray embodies the best of the Greatest Generation and a legacy of veterans who sacrificed so much for our country.”

“Ray Chavez was an outstanding man and sailor who served his country with honor, both during and after his enlistment,” said Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49). “As the grandson of a World War II veteran, I am deeply grateful for Ray’s service and I am honored to join Congressman Peters and other elected officials in recognizing his extraordinary legacy.”

“Poway celebrated Ray Chavez not only as the oldest Pearl Harbor survivor, but as one of the last of the Greatest Generation. He was a humble hero whose legacy will continue on in our community,” said Mayor Steve Vaus.

“My dad was really humble and never expected recognition for his service. He always said, ‘I’m no hero. I just did my job.’ To him, this Post Office would mean much more than a tribute to his personal experiences or continued legacy,” said Kathleen Chavez, Ray’s daughter. “Instead, he’d want it to serve as a daily reminder of the real heroes who lost their lives during the Pearl Harbor attacks – something he never wanted people to forget.”

Rep. Peters was joined by Chavez’s daughter, Kathleen, as well as Poway, military, and veteran leaders to honor Chavez and urge Congress to pass the bill to rename the Post Office. Peters introduced the bill to rename the Midland Road Post Office the “Ray Chavez Post Office” in May.