Congressman Carbajal Unveils Effort to Rename Goleta Post Office for Decorated Central Coast Veteran

Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) unveiled a new legislative effort to rename a Central Coast post office in Goleta for Frederick Lopez, a retired Brigadier General in the U.S. Marine Corps with a 30-year career of distinguished service.

Congressman Carbajal, a Marine Corps veteran himself, joined General Lopez, his family and friends, and representatives from Central Coast veterans organizations at the Santa Barbara Veterans' Memorial Building on Friday to announce the effort.

The full event can be viewed here.

"General Lopez embodies the service that we honor with nationwide commemorations like Veterans Day," said Rep. Carbajal. "He also deserves to have his three decades of service acknowledged by his own communities in a way that will inspire others. If putting his name on this federal building inspires one new person to learn more about him and be inspired to service themselves - that will be a validation of this effort. And I have no doubt that that will happen."

"I am deeply honored and sincerely humbled by the introduction of this bill in the United States House of Representatives by Congressman and fellow Marine Salud Carbajal," said Brigadier General Frederick R. Lopez, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (ret.) "What have I done to rate this honor? It appears the answer is simple in theory but very hard in execution… to honorably and proudly serve my country in the best way possible and treat those around me with respect and gratitude."

Earlier this year, Congressman Carbajal formally filed legislation to rename the U.S. Post Office on Patterson Avenue in Goleta for General Lopez. The measure introduced by Congressman Carbajal is already backed by two-thirds of California's Congressional delegation. It must pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President in order to become law.

General Lopez, a Santa Barbara County native, joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1967 following his graduation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. His service as a platoon commander during the Vietnam War earned him a Bronze Star and Combat Action Ribbon.

Over his three decades as a Marine, General Lopez also earned a Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and other decorations prior to his retirement in 1998.

In retirement, General Lopez has continued to advocate for his fellow veterans as an active member of the Military Order Of The World Wars - including as its Commander in Chief - and other veterans groups.

"Knowing Brigadier General Frederick Lopez for the past twenty years and having him on our board, I can without hesitation say Fred represents all of the finest qualities of "The Few, The Proud,The Marines," Lieutenant John W. Blankenship, U.S. Navy (ret) said. "I am honored to be a part of this recognition of Santa Barbara's most outstanding veteran."