Senator Feinstein Introduces Bill to Rename Santa Ana Post Office In Honor of Hector Godinez
February 9, 2000

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today introduced legislation to name a Santa Ana, California Post Office after the late Hector G. Godinez, longtime community activist and the first Mexican-American District Manager with the U.S. Postal Service.

“Hector Godinez was a true leader in his community of Santa Ana, California,” Senator Feinstein said. “He was a pioneer in the United States Postal Service rising from letter carrier to become the first Mexican-American to achieve the rank of District Manager within the U.S. Postal Service. He served with honor in World War II, was an ardent civil rights activist and an active participant in civic organizations and local government.”

Hector Godinez passed away in May 1999 and throughout his life he dedicated tireless energy to such civic groups as the Orange County District Boy Scouts of America, Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, Orange County YMCA and National President of the League of United Latin American Citizens, one of the country’s oldest Hispanic civil rights organizations.

After graduating from Santa Ana High School, Godinez was a U.S. Army tank commander in World War II under General George S. Patton. For his service, he earned a bronze star for bravery under fire and was also awarded a purple heart for wounds received in battle. Upon his return home in 1946, Godinez started his first of 48 years of distinguished service as a U.S. postal worker.

The U.S. Postal Processing Center is located at 3101 West Sunflower in Santa Ana, California.