(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation (H.R. 3034) introduced by Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District – Kansas) to rename the Gardner, Kansas, postal service facility the “Private First Class Shane R. Austin Post Office.”

Private First Class Shane Austin attended Gardner-Edgerton High School before joining the U.S. Army. PFC Austin was 19 years old when he was killed on October 8, 2006, while serving in the United States Army’s First Armored Division, during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq. For his heroism, and for saving the lives of several fellow soldiers, Shane was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

“It is important that we never forget the sacrifice soldiers like Shane make for our nation’s security and for our freedoms,” Moore said. “I am grateful that the House has moved swiftly and with one voice to honor Shane’s heroism and sacrifice.”

Debbie Austin, mother of PFC Shane Austin, uses the post office in Gardner every day. The community of Gardner, where most of Shane’s friends reside, has been very supportive of the Austin family since Shane’s death.

“Our family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we’ve received from the Gardner community,” said Debbie Austin. “I hope people will think not only of Shane when they go to the post office, but all soldiers who have died for their country.”

Shane follows a long line of brave and courageous individuals from the towns of Gardner and Edgerton who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect those same rights and liberties.

Moore was joined by the other members of the Kansas House delegation – Congressman Todd Tiahrt (Fourth District), Congressman Jerry Moran (First District) and Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Second District) – in introducing the bill on July 12, 2007. Kansas Senators Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1772).