Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson Post Office

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3640.

Lieutenant Jefferson was born in 1921 in Detroit, Michigan.

After graduating from Chadsey High School and earning his bachelor's degree in chemistry and biology from Clark College, he was accepted into the Aviation Cadet Training Program in the U.S. Army Corps. He completed combat training in Michigan and pilot training at the Tuskegee Army Airfield.

Jefferson served the cause of democracy and freedom faithfully in World War II in our struggle against fascism and totalitarianism in Europe.

As a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, he was shot down and captured by Nazi troops. He suffered great hardship as a prisoner of war in Nazi- occupied Poland until he was finally freed by General George Patton's Third Army, which was busy liberating people from fascists all over Europe.

When he returned home from war, Jefferson took a job as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He later earned his teaching certificate and a master's degree in education at Wayne State.

He taught elementary school science in Detroit, was appointed an assistant principal, and in 1979 retired with 31 years of service in public education, as well as all of his years fighting for America and for freedom.

I urge my colleagues to honor the life and service of Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson by naming this post office in Mount Clemens, Michigan, after him.

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